
Class JE_S-!i5Ji5" 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



AMBUSH 



AMBUSH 



BY 



ARTHUR RICHMAN 




NEW YORK 

DUFFIELD & COMPANY 

1922 



-)■i\•^^ 



^ \ V 



Copyright, 1922, by 
DUFFIELD & COMPANY 



Printed in U. S. A. 

MAY -3 1922 
3C!.0 60839 



AMBUSH 



CAST 

of the Original Production hy 
THE THEATRE GUILD 

under the direction of 
Robert Milton 



CHARACTERS 

{In the order of their appearance) 



WALTER NICHOLS . 
HARRIETT NICHOLS 
HARRY GLEASON . . 
MARGARET NICHOLS 
SEYMOUR JENNISON 
MRS. JENNISON . 
A CHAUFFEUR . . 
ALAN KRAIGNE . 
HOWARD KRAIGNE 
GEORGE LITHRIDGE 



Frank Reicher 

Jane Wheatley 

. Chari-es Ellis 

Florence Eldridge 

. John Craig 

Catherine Proctor 

Edwin R. Wolfe 

. Noel Leslie 

. Edward Donnelly 

. George Stillwell 



CHARACTERS 

Walter Nichols 
Seymour Jennison 
Howard Kraigne 
Alan Kraigne 
George Lithridge 
Harry Gleason 
A Chauffeur 
Harriett Nichols 
Margaret Nichols 
Mrs. Jennison. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES. 

Act I: 
Living Room of the Nichols Home. Near Jersey City. 

Act II: 

Same as Act I. Next morning. 

The curtain will be lowered to denote the passing of 
four hours. 

Act III: 

Same as Act II. Six months later. 

[Note: — The audience sees the incidents of the play 
through the eyes of Walter Nichols, for it is with him alone 
that we are concerned. Whatever occurs when he is not 
present is therefore not represented.] 



AMBUSH 
Act I. 

SCENE — The living-room, also used as a dining-room, 
is not an attractive apartment. The general effect is one of 
neatness, but the furniture is old and the wall-paper some- 
what faded. 

There are two windows at rear, and between them stands 
a sideboard; beneath the right window is a table with a tele- 
phone upon it. At center three chairs are drawn up to a 
large table, from which the tablecloth has not yet been re- 
moved. At left a fireplace is surmounted by a mantel on 
which stand a few old-fashioned ornaments; two comfort- 
able chairs flank the fireplace. A desk stands against the 
right wall, where a staircase leads to the bedrooms. Be- 
tween the dining-table and the door at right which leads to 
the kitchen is a small sewing-table with a rocker beside it. 
There is a chandelier at center; there are some book shelves 
in the corner near the fireplace. 

At right rear a door opens on the narrow porch which is 
visible, together with the steps to the street, through the two 
windows. The light outside is that of a summer evening. 

At rise of the curtain, Walter Nichols is finishing his cof- 
fee, and Harriett is already clearing the table. 

Walter is forty-five, but looks older. He is of medium 
height and slim, but his face is thickly lined and his hair is 
beginning to turn gray. He wears a suit of dark material, 
cheap in texture, but neat. He looks the typical clerk. 
There is something gentle, almost benevolent, about Walter. 
Life for him has been a continuous struggle, but it has bred 
in him no bitterness. He is quiet, xvell-manncred, very con- 
siderate, a little too deferential; and while others have 



2 AMBUSH 

passed him in the race for financial success, he has watched 
them with no envy: his own aim has been to keep his char- 
acter untarnished and to see his wife and daughter shape 
their lives in accordance with the accepted conventional 
code. 



Walter. 
{Glancing at the stair s.\ What's Margaret doing? 

Harriett. 
She's dressing to go out. 

[Walter reads the paper. Exit Harriett. A 
hell rings. Walter goes to door and opens 
it. Enter Harry Gleason, twenty-five, good 
looking in a rather common way. His manners 
are none too good and his speech is careless. 
He is dressed like a youth who takes pride in 
appearing sporty, wearing clothes of a kind 
one sees on Broadway. A soft cap is set at an 
angle.'\ 

Harry. 
Hello, Mr. Nichols. 

Walter. 

[Shakes hands.] Good evening, Harry. Won't you 
come in? 

Harry. 

Thanks. Margaret home? 



AMBUSH 3 

Walter. 

She's upstairs. [Trying to soften the disappointment 
by his tone.] I'm afraid she's going out. 

Harry. 
[Nonchalantly.] Yes? Suppose I could see her? 

Walter. 

I don't see why not [Calls.] Harriett! 

[7*0 Harry, who lights cigarette.] We haven't seen you 
in two or three weeks, Harry ; how have you been ? 

Harry. 
Pretty well, thanks. 

[Harriett enters.] 
Good evening, Mrs. Nichols. 

[Harriett Nichols, a few years younger than 
her husband, tall and thin, is a woman accus- 
tomed to doing her own housework and who 
shows the effects of it. She has performed 
her duties faithfully but grudgingly and year 
by year little bitternesses have piled up in her 
heart, corroding the illusions that once dzvelt 
there. If she had a sense of humor, it has 
mostly disappeared, and what remains (or, to be 
precise, what has taken its place) is a dull 
cynicism. It may be doubted that she intends 
to be humorous even when she is. Her condition 
differs from her husband's as the condition of a 
person who has no inner resources will always 
differ from the condition of one who has. She 
has seen glimmers of her husband's personal- 



4 . AMBUSH 

ity Without co7nprehending what she saw. 
To her his comparative contentment has 
seemed merely lack of ambition, and she mis- 
trusts his judgment on almost every question. 
As a matter of fact, the natural dignity of his 
character and the innate refinement of his 
speech and manner have bred in her a vague 
respect for his feelings, mixed with resentment 
for his aloofness. She wears a plain dress 
of cheap material. She is neat enough, but 
her bearing is slovenly. If this latter fact 
•were mentioned to her, she would probably 
respond that "There is nothing to stand up 
straight for."] 

Harriett. 
Good evening, Harry. [To Walter.] What is it.f* 

Walter. 
Harry wants to see Margaret. 

Harriett. 

Margaret's dressing. Excuse the way I look — I'm jusi 
clearing the table. Margaret's going out automobiling, 
and she's just changing her clothes. 

Walter. 
Automobiling ? 

Harriett. 

With Mr. Kraigne. He's coming over from near Mor- 
ristown, where they live. How's your mother? 



AMBUSH 5 

Harry. 

She's getting along. Do you think Margaret'll be long? 

Harriett. 
I'll tell her you're here. [Exit Harriett upstairs.] 

Walter. 

How long it remains light, this season of the year. 
[Turns.] No, we haven't seen you in some time. I asked 
Margaret about you once. 

Harry. 

What'd she say-f* 

Walter. 

She didn't seem to know where you were. Did you 
young people have a quarrel or anything? 

Harry. 
Oh, I've been busy. 

Walter. 
Working nights, I suppose. Like your present job? 

Harry. 

Not very much. But it's better than having a job in 
New York — I don't have to travel in that tube, anyhow. 

Walter. 

I don't mind the tube, myself, only when it's crowded. 
I remember when there wasn't any, and we all had to use 



6 AMBUSH 

the ferry. I get a chance to read the papers in the tube. 
It was terribly crowded tonight. 

Harry. 
Margaret still working in New York? 

Walter. 

Yes; doing very well^ too. [Looks up. Harry smiles.] 
You seem surprised. Did you expect Margaret to lose her 
position ? 

Harry. 

Not lose it. But when people outgrow their friends, 
they sometimes feel too big for their jobs, too. 

Walter. 

That certainly isn't true of Margaret. 

[Harry smiles.] 
Aren't you good friends any more? 

Harry. 

When do I see her? Every time I come here she has a 
date, or she makes some kind of an excuse. 

Walter. 
Have you two quarreled? 

Harry. 

It's only natural that I should talk to her about it. 

Walter. 
About what? 



AMBUSH f 

Harry. 

About her liking to go out with men who can afford to 
spend more money than I can. 

Walter. 
What did she say? 

Harry. 

She denied it, of course, but she knows I'm right. 

Walter. 

I don't believe it. [Shakes his head. Harry laughs.] 
No, Harry, I don't believe that Margaret chooses her 
friends for the money they've got. You two have had 
some misunderstanding — it often happens among young 
people. 

Harry. 

[Sullenly.] I wouldn't care so much, only it makes me 
look so foolish. 



What does.'' 



Walter, 



Harry. 



Oh, we used to be seen together a lot. Now, when peo- 
ple ask me where she is, I don't know what to say. 

[Enter Margaret from the stairs. She is 
young and very pretty. Her clothes are in- 
expensive but in the prevailing fashion. Mar- 
garet is more her mother's daughter than her 
father's. She resents the fate that compels 



8 AMBUSH 

her to live in a middle-class environment, and 
she keeps before her the picture of a more 
luxurious life to come. Her manner and voice 
are sweet and gentle; it is only at certain mo- 
ments that either takes on any hardness.^ 

Margaret. 
Hello, Harry. 

[Her manner is intimate, but not cordial.] 

Harry. 
Hello. I hear you've got a "date." 
[Harriett comes down stairs.] 

Margaret. 

I have an engagement with Alan Kraigne — he's driv- 
ing over from Morristown, and we're going for a ride. 

Harry. 
I thought we might go to a movie or something. 

Margaret. 
Sorry. 

Harry. 

[Sneering.] Yes, you're very sorry! 

Margaret. 

All right, then, I'm not. Do you like that any better .f* 
[Laughs.] 

Walter. 
Margaret ! 



AMBUSH 9 

Margaret. 
Did you want to talk to me about anything in particular ? 

Harry. 

[Scornfully.] If you can spare a minute or two — 

Margaret. 

That's about all I can spare. Come out on the porch, 
if you want to. [Exeunt both.] 

Walter. 

I guess Margaret and Harry have had a quarrel. 

[Harriett is silent.] 
Have they? 

Harriett. 

I don't know; it wouldn't matter much. 

W A li T B R. 

They've known each other since they were children — 

Harriett. 
He doesn't amount to much, I guess. 
[Walter reads newspaper.] 
Finished with the paper? 
[Walter hands her the paper.] 

Walter. 

I nearly forgot. [Smiling, he takes some money from 
his pocket. As she is paying no attention, he dangles the 
money before her eyes.] Saturday night! 



10 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 
[Taking the money.] I wish it was more. 

Walter. 

It will be, some day. 

Harriett. 

The Lord knows ! 

Walter. 

It's more than it was a year ago. 

Harriett. 

[Bent on resisting his cheerfulness.] Things are 
dearer, too. 

Walter. 

We're better off than some people, Harriett. [Picks 
magazine from mantel.] 

Harriett. 

Yes, and worse off than others. [Sits in rocker.] Mrs. 
Jennison was here today. You know, Seymour's made a 
lot o' money this year. They've got that new automobile 
he was always talking about. 

Walter. 

I'm glad of that; owning things means a lot to a man 
like Seymour. 

Harriett. 

I suppose owning things don't mean a lot to other peo- 
ple, too! 



AMBUSH 11 

Walter. 
[Looking at magazine.] To some more than to others. 

Harriett. 

[Scornfully.] Yes, I know. You care about cliar- 
acter and principles and things like that. Lot o' good it 
does you! 

Walter. 

It does in a way. I suppose, if I ever lose the right 
to respect myself, nothing would make up to me for it. 

Harriett. 

[Dryly.] Then I hope you don't lose it. [Her grim 
humor evokes a smile in him.] What are you laughing 
at.? 

Walter. 

You. You're so practical and matter of fact. Nothing 
worries you, or, if it does, not for long. I'm different — 
I fret over trifles. 

Harriett. 
As long as you know you do, why don't you stop? 
[Presently Walter speaJcs in a serious tone.] 

Walter. 
I'm worried about Margaret. 

Harriett. 
What's the matter with Margaret? 



12 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

Some things Harry said that you didn't hear — they're 
partly true. 

Harriett. 
What did he say? 

Walter. 

He feels that Margaret cares to know only people of 
wealth. That's what I understand him to mean. 

Harriett. 

Why do you take any stock in what he says? He likes 
Margaret and he hates having her go with anybody else. 

Walter. 
I seemed to notice the same thing in her, myself. 

Harriett. 

That she only cares about people with money? I guess 
three-quarters of the world is like that. 

[The conversation ends at this, for Margaret 
and Harry come into the house.] 

Harry. 

[As they come in.] Well, I haven't got one. 

Margaret. 
[Smiling.] No, Harry, I know you haven't. 



AMBUSH 13 

Harry. 

If you're going to change your friends on account of 
money and automobiles, it's your own business. 

Margaret. 
Harry, you talk like a fool! 

4 

Harry. 
I may talk like one, but that don't mean that I am one. 

Margaret. 

If it comes to that, I've a right to choose my friends 
wherever I feel like it. It's nothing against a man to be 
rich. 

Harry. 

All right. I thought I'd save you some trouble, that's 
all. Some o' the people around here are beginning to talk. 

Margaret. 
Let them talk, what do I care! 

Harry. 

Oh, I know. It's none o' my business. And if I didn't 
think so much of your mother and father, I wouldn't say 
anything about it. 

Walter. 

Harry, I'm surprised that you should take this tone to 
Margaret. 



14 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 

He's mad because I won't go out with him. Well, I 
won't. Not only tonight, but I won't go out with you 
any other night, either. You don't need to come around 
here and you don't need to call me up. 

H ARRT. 

You needn't take it like that. Maybe I got too fresh. 
I apologize. 

l^She makes an impatient gesture.^ 

I can't do any more than that. 

Margaret. 

[Takes gloves from sewing table.] Better hurry if 
you're going to play pool — your friends'll be waiting for 
you. 

[Harry makes no reply. He jams his hat on 
his head and goes out at right.] 

Walter. 
Is it true that people are talking about you? 

Margaret. 

They've got nothing to talk ahout. What do I do that's 
wrong? He's just a common little sneak. 

Walter. 
Margaret ! 

Margaret. 
Well, he is. 



AMBUSH 15 

Walter. 
You used to be such good friends — and now — 

Harriett. 
She's growing up — she knows better now. 

Margaret. 

When I see him nowadays, I wonder how I could ever 
stand him. 

Walter. 

You shouldn't talk like that about old friends. Harry 
is very fond of you. 

Margaret. 

That doesn't give him the right to forget his manners, 
does it.f* 

Harriett. 

[In a tone that ends the argument.] She's perfectly 
right. 

Margaret. 
Mother, please. 

Harriett. 

[To Walter.] You make mountains out o' mole-hills. 
[Margaret sits in Harriett's lap. To Margaret.] 
Come closer. 

[Margaret does so and Harriett buttons the back of 
her dress.] 



16 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

Did you talk to Harry without having your dress 
buttoned ? 

Harriett. 

What did you want me to do; go upstairs with her 
again.'' [Fiiiishes the work.] There! 

[Margaret saunters toward window, glancing up 
the road. Harriett starts sewing handker- 
chiefs in sewing box. Turns on table lamp.] 

Margaret. 

[At window.] What time is it, father? 

Walter. 

[Consulting his watch.] Five minutes to eight. Where 
are you going tonight, dear? 

Margaret. 
Just motoring. 

Walter. 
Mr. Kraigne and you alone? No one else? 

Margaret. 
We might pick up some friends of his — I don't know. 

Walter. 

I'd take a wrap — it's only June, and it may blow up 
cooler. 

Margaret. 

They always have wraps in the car. 



AMBUSH 17 

Walter. 
What time will you be home? 

Margaret. 

[Angrily.] For heaven's sake, stop asking questions! 
[Walter starts to speak.] 

I know what you're going to say — it's only your love 
for me. But I'm nearly twenty, Dad, and for two years 
I've been working in New York. I think I'm entitled to 
do as I please once in a while ! 

Walter. 

[Gently.] I meant nothing by my questions. It's 
natural that I should want to know what you do and who 
your friends are. Your mother feels the same way about 
it, I'm sure. 

Harriett. 
No, I don't. Leastways, I don't ask questions. 



W 



alter, 



There's only one thing, Margaret. When you stay out 
late I worry. 

[Margaret starts to speah.] 

I can't help it — I'm made like that. Last Tuesday — 

Margaret. 
Have I got to hear about that again? 

Walter. 

I am merely asking you, dear, please not to stay out 
so late again. You were late at the office twice last week 



18 AMBUSH 

— you told me so, yourself — and that's a mistake. Now, 
am I forgiven? 

[Margaret offers hand.^ 

[Lightly.] 

Have you decided where you and your mother will 
spend your vacation? 

Margaret. 
Not exactly. 

Harriett. 
I won't go away — I don't enjoy it, 

Walter. 
Really? 

Harriett. 

Margaret's been invited to spend a week with some 
friends in the mountains — it would be a good thing for 
her to go. 

Margaret. 
You see, father, it would be cheaper too, that way. 

Walter. 

It's kind of you to think of the expense, dear. But I 
could spare it, if you really wanted to go somewhere. [He 
stops suddenly.] 

Margaret. 

[In vague alarm.] What are you looking at? 



AMBUSH 19 

W A 1/ T E R. 

That bracelet — that's something new, isn't it? 
[Margaret is alarmed.] 

Margaret. 

Why, that — [She casts an appealing glance at her 
mother.] 

Harriett. 
What about it.?* 

Walter. 
I've never seen it before. 

Harriett. 

It's just a little thing Margaret bought the other day. 
It ain't real. 

Walter. 

Imitation.'' 

Harriett. 

Of course; how could she afford it if it was real? 

Walter. 
But that's so so vulgar, 

Harriett. 
What is? 

Walter. 
Wearing imitation jewelry. 



20 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 
[With spirit.] It's the only thing I've got! 

Walter. 

I detest domg things like that. Suppose the people 
out here should see you wearing it. They won't know 
it's imitation and they'll wonder who gave it to you. 

Harriett. 
[Scornfully.] Who cares what people say! 

Walter. 

[To Harriett.] I'm surprised that you should en- 
courage it. I wish you would take it off, Margaret, and 
we'll see if it can be returned next week. 



Margaret. 



No! 



Walter. 

Please, dear. I'll buy something real for you at your 
next birthday. 

Harriett. 
They won't take it back. 

Walter. 

In any event, I'd rather Margaret didn't wear it. [Holds 

out his hand.'\ Please, dear. 

[Margaret, on the verge of tears, obeys him. 
She takes off the bracelet and gives it to him.] 



AMBUSH 21 

Margaret. 
What are you going to do with it ? 

Walter. 
Does it come from New York? 

Margaret. 
Yes. 

Walter. 

Your mother can ask them to take it back, the next 
time she goes there. 

Harriett. 
Give it to me, then. 

Walter. 
We'll keep it here until you need it. 

Margaret. 
[Cries sharply.] I'm getting sick of all this! 

Harriett. 

I don't blame her. Young people are young people— 
if she feels like having such things, let her have 'em. 

Walter. 

You shouldn't come between us in a case like this, Har- 
riett. Can't you see my reason? Can't you see the vul- 
garity of pretending to be what you aren't? 



22 



AMBUSH 
Harriett. 



Everybody pretends. 

Walter. 

You have the box upstairs, Harriett. Will you please 
bring it here? 

Harriett. 

Making a fuss about a fool thing like that! [To Mar- 
garet.] I told you not to wear it while your father was 
around. I know the way he is. [Exit Harriett upstairs.] 

Walter. 
[Gentltf.] Come here, dear. 

Margaret. 
[Rebellious.] What is it? 

Walter. 
I don't want you to be angry with me, 

Margaret. 

Then why don't you let me alone? What's the dif- 
ference to you if I wear a bracelet or not? 

Walter. 
You've got to consider what people will think. 

Margaret. 

Say they do wonder who gave it to me; where's the 
harm ? 



AMBUSH 23 

Walter. 

Now, dear, I know you don't mean that. If you thought 
people said unkind things about you, you would be 
miserable. 

Margaret. 

As long as the things they say aren't true, I don't care. 
[There is a pause. He wears a crooked smile 
as he speaks again.] 

Walter. 
So you don't love me any more? 

Margaret, 

[Sweetly.] Oh, father, you say such foolish things. 

Walter. 
Ah ! Then you do ! 

Margaret. 
Of course I do! 

Walter. 

Even though I annoy you with little things and make 
you lose your temper? 

Margaret. 

Well, I don't always agree with you. 

Walter. 

There's eternal strife between the old generation and the 
new. Each represents a distinct school of ideas, doesn't 
it? 



24 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 
I suppose so. 

Walter. 
You know, dear, I never try to hurt you. 

Margaret. 
I know you don't. 

Walter. 

It's just that parents can't help worrying and trying to 
give their children the benefit of the things they have 
learned. I'm so anxious that you should have a happy life. 

Margaret. 
[Laughing.] You're no more anxious than I am. 

Walter. 

[Earnestly.] And one of the most important things is 
to respect yourself and to make other people respect you. 

[There is no reply. His tone is lighter as he resumes.] 
You won't drive very far with Mr. Kraigne, will you? 

Margaret. 
I don't suppose so. 

[Harriett has entered, carrying a fairly large 
tin box.] 

Harriett. 
What are you asking her? 



AMBUSH 25 

Walter. 

I was asking her whether she and Mr. Kraigne were 
driving very far. 

Harriett. 

[As she deposits the box on the sewing table.] Orange 
isn't very far. 



Orange! 



Walter. 



Harriett. 



[To Margaret.] Isn't that where you're going? You 
told me so. 

Margaret. 

[To Walter.] Alan has a girl cousin living there, 
and we thought of visiting her. 

Walter. 

[Pleased.] That's a very good idea. [Unlocks box — 
key in vest pocket.] You won't be late, dear? [To Mar- 
garet.] Look dear, do you know what these are? [He 
shows her some bonds.] These are bonds worth ten thou- 
sand dollars that I bought with the money your uncle left 
me. They're being kept for you. 

Margaret. 
You've told me that before. 

Walter. 
I know, but I like to remind you why it is I don't al- 



26 AMBUSH 

ways buy you the things you'd like. You'll be glad some 
day that they were kept for you. 

[Seymour Jennison and Mrs. Jennison are 
heard talking of.\ 

Harriett. 

Here are the Jennisons. 

[Seymour is the same age as Walter, an aggres- 
sive, opinionated, loud-talking man of the 
salesman type. His wife, short and stout, is 
far more wholesome, but has been trained to 
"back up" her husband in all he says and does. 
His method is to appeal to her for corrobora- 
tion whenever he finds it expedient and she 
never fails him. Although he does not know 
it, some of his bizarre methods cause her real 
agony.] 

Seymour. 

I said to him: "What happened to other oil companies 
has nothing to do with it. This oil company must be 
judged on its merits." [His transitions are abrupt, for 
it is his way to appear enthusiastic about each new devel- 
opment. Now, as he greets Harriett, one would think 
she was the only thing in the world that mattered to him.] 
Harriett! How are you.'' 

Harriett. 
Good evening, Seymour. 

Seymour. 

And our little Margie ! Don't need to ask how you are ! 

[The women, meanwhile, greet one another.] 
Hello, Walter. 



Hello, Seymour. 



AMBUSH 27 

Walter. 

Seymour. 



I was just telling Julia about Babbington. I told you 
I was going to see him today, didn't I? He's interested 
all right, read all the company's literature and asked me 
question after question. I was ready for him, though, 
I'm to see him again tonight, but I don't want to appear 
in a hurry. He's only a few blocks away, but we'll 
drive over in the ear. That'll make an impression. 

[Challengingly to Walter.] 

What? 

Walter. 

Sure to! 

Seymour. 
You bet! 
[To Harriett.] Seen the car yet? 

Harriett. 
Not yet. 

Seymour. 

[To Margaret.] You'll appreciate it, Margie! It's 

a beauty — ask the missis. Six cylinders — chauffeur in 

livery. I insist on livery. I say that if a man's hired 

by me, I have a right to say what clothes he should 

wear. While he's on the car, of course. When he's 
not, he's got to take 'em off. [Offers cigar to Walter.] 
Cigar? 



28 AMBUSH 

Walter. 



No, thanks. 



Seymour. 



[Chews off the end of cigar. He goes on talking.] 
Some people call it "luck" the way I got into this thing. 
But it ain't luck — it's grasping an opportunity. I saw 
from the prospectus that the property they owned was 
one o' the most valuable oil-producing properties in the 
country. Remember, Julia, how I came home and said 
so? 

[Mrs. Jennison nods.] 

And I knew that, with intelligent direction, the output 
could be increased and increased and increased until — 
It's tremendous — tremendous ! — in heaven's name, Wal- 
ter Nichols, why don't you take a chance? 

Walter. 
[Slowly, ill at ease.] I'm a conservative, Seymour. 

Seymour. 
Pah! 

Walter. 

Besides, what have I got to take chances with? Even 
if I wanted to, I mean. 

Seymour. 

Enough for a starter. What did / have? Only Julia's 
money and there wasn't much of that. But Julia had 
courage. [In his enthusiasm he leans over and slaps his 
wife's back. She winces, but says nothing.] Courage! 
That's what is needed in modern life. Look at the sue- 



AMBUSH 29 

cessful men we know. Look at your boss, L. A. Preston. 
Where would he be if he didn't have courage? Or the 
fellow Margaret works for — what's his name.^ Good 
heavens, you're not going to spend your whole life like 
this, are you.'' 

Walter. 
What's the matter with this? 

Seymour. 
What's the matter with it? Why, its awful. 

Walter. 

[Warmlif.] It's been good enough for you these last 
fifteen years. 

Seymour. 

[Sings.'] 
"It may be for years 
But it won't be forever." 
[Laughs.] 

[Margaret exits to porch.] 
No, sir! That's the point. / wasn't satisfied; I said: 
"Here's a chance — the chance of my lifetime, perhaps. 
Opportunity comes once to every man, and my judgment 
tells me Magnificus Oil can't go wrong." So what did 
I do ? I took Julia's money and invested it ! 

[Walter is silent. Seymour leans across the 
table, shoving his face close to Walter's.] 
What about Harriett? What about Margie? 

Walter. 
[Very uneasy.] What about them? 



30 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 

Yes, what about them? Don't you owe it to them to 
have some ambition? 

[Margaret enters house, switches on porch 
lamp,] 

Walter. 

It isn't fair of you, Seymour, to assume that I have 
no ambition. I may have ambitions as well as you, but 
not the same kind. 

Seymour. 

Then the sooner you get the same kind the better. 
Ask Margaret whether she'd like to have money or not. 
How about it, Margie? 

Walter. 

[Before Margaret can anszver.] Of course Margaret 
would like us to have money — I'd like it, too. But what 
you advise is speculation, and speculation — [Margaret 
exit upstairs.] 

Seymour. 

Speculation! It's no more speculation than buying 

United States Treasury Certificates is speculation. It 

means enormous profits without risk, that's what it 
means. 

[Walter's manner changes.] 
Walter. 
I wish you'd be careful what you say in front of 



AMBUSH 31 

Margaret. It's natural for a girl like her to want nice 
things, and it only makes her resentful. 

Seymour. 
She'd be resentful, anyhow. 

Walter. 

Besides, the things you say put me in such a bad 
light. 

Seymour. 

Nonsense. You're the best feller in the world — every- 
body knows that. Why do you suppose I talk the way 
I do.'' Because I like you so much! 

Walter. 
Oh, I know you mean it well — 

Seymour. 

The thing's on such a basis now that we don't need the 
few dollars you could put into it. But we're friends, and 
I like to help a friend when I get the chance to do it. I 
wasn't able to, before. [Laughs.] When I gave up my 
job at Walbeck's, the boss told me I was making a mistake. 
Looks like it, don't it.'' Today I dropped in to see him. 
There he was trying to sell an engagement ring to some 
people, and I couldn't help laughing at the whole thing. 
The glass in his eye, his whole face screwed up, and he 
says: "It's a very fine stone." [Laughs again.] Six months 
ago I was handing out the same bunk! When he saw me, 
the old feller nearly had a fit. [Thows hack his head, fairly 
bellowing with glee. Presently the laughter subsides.] 
After the people left, I told him how things had gone with 



32 AMBUSH 

me, and he looked so unhappy I pitied him. [Makes one of 
his abrupt transitions.] This house is in pretty good condi- 
tion, ain't it? 

Walter. 
[Surprised.] I think so, why? 

Seymour. 
[Flicking ashes from his cigar.] I may buy it. 

Walter. 

What? 

Seymour. 

I've had information that property out here is likely to 
go up, and I'm going to ask Babbington to put a price on 
mine and this and the two in between. 

Harriett. 
Really? 

Walter. 

[Pleased.] I'm glad to hear that, Seymour. That means 
we'll be neighbors for a long time to come. 

Seymour. 

[Quickly.] No, it don't. I don't have to go on living 
in a house just because I own it. 

Walter. 

But you always liked it here — you've lived here a long 
time, and I remember your telling me — 



AMBUSH 33 

Seymour. 

Things have changed. Oh, I don't mean the money alone. 
As my business expands, my interests'll grow too, and it'll 
be necessary for me to live in New York. Only today a 
woman came to me with a new proposition — I'm looking 
into it. Julia's been looking at apartments across the river 
already. 

Mrs. Jennison. 
I haven't found anything yet. 
[Bell rings.] 

Seymour. 

You will. Ah, here's Frank. 

[A Chauffeur in full livery enters, as Walter 
opens the door. All watch him approach, awe- 
struck. "] 

Frank. 

The car is up the street, sir. I thought it best not to 
drive down 'cause the street's all torn up. 

Seymour. 

It's a wonder they wouldn't keep the streets around here 
in decent condition. [Pointing to Frank, he says to 
Walter.] How do you like the clothes? [Frank grins; 
Walter nods approvingly.] Some class, eh? [To Frank.] 
Everything all right? 

Frank. 

[Amused at his employer.] Yes, sir. 



34 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 
The er, carburetor? 

Frank. 

Adjusted it this afternoon. 

Seymour. 
How is the compression? 

Frank. 

There's never been nothing the matter with the com- 
pression. 

Seymour. 

Did you drain the oil off the motor? 

Frank. 

[Laughing.] No, sir. 

Seymour. 
Why not? 

Frank. 
'Cause, if I did, the car wouldn't run. 

Seymour. 

[Discomfited.] Wouldn't, huh? That's all you know 
about it ! [To Harriett.] Where are you going tomorrow? 

Harriett. 
Tomorrow? It's Sunday. 



AMBUSH 36 

Seymour. 

Walter don't work on Sundays, does he? [Laughs.] 
Why don't you two come for a ride with us? 

Frank. 

Shall I wait, sir? 

Seymour. 

Certainly you'll wait. 

[A movement by Frank shows he has an impulse 
to reply; however, he changes his mind. Exit 
Frank.] 

Seymour. 

"Shall I wait, sir?" Does he think I told him to come 
here for fun? I'll speak to him about that. 

Mrs. Jennison. 
Oh, don't fuss with him again, Seymour! 

Seymour. 

The way she takes that man's part! [To Mrs. Jenni- 
son.] That ain't the way to treat servants — make 'em 
understand exactly what you want and they'll respect you 
for it. [To Harriett, with a laugh.] Wait till Babbing- 
ton sees me drive up in a car. That's the sort o' thing 
makes an impression. How about tomorrow? 

Harriett. 
I'd like to go. I don't get many chances. 



i AMBUSH 

Walter. 
It's very kind of you, Seymour— 



Seymour. 

Wait till he sees the car. That's an argument he can't 
answer. 

[Alan Kraigne enters the doorway. Alan is a 
good looking, well dressed youth of 24, breezy 
and likeable, with easy manners and a cheerful 
disposition.] 

Alan. 

[Raising his cap.] Good evening, er is Miss 

Nichols at home? 

Walter. 
[Rising.] Mr. Kraigne.'' 

Alan. 
Yes. 

Walter. 
I'm Margaret's father. How do you do? 

Alan. 

How do you do? 

[They shake hands.] 

Walter. 
Mr. Kraiscne — Mr. and Mrs. Jennison and Mrs. Nichols. 



AMBUSH 87 

Alan. 
How do you do? 

Harriett. 
[Who has risen.] How do you do.'' I'll call Margaret. 

Alan. 

Thank you. 

Seymour. 
[Who has been sizing him up.] Howard Kraigne's son? 

Alan. 
Yes, do you know the dad? 

Harriett. 

Margaret ! 

Seymour. 

Everybody knows him by reputation. The products of 
your father's factory are used in every home. You live 
in Morristown, don't you? 

Alan. 
The factory's in Morristown, we live just outside. 

Harriett. 
[Going up a few steps.] Margaret! 

Seymour. 

Just a pleasant drive, here to Morristown. [To 
Walter.] Maybe we'll automobile that way tomorrow. 



38 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 
Margaret's coming. 

Alan. 
Thanks. 

Seymour. 

My chauffeur's very good at finding roads. Well^ come 
along, Julia. We may drop in again on our way back 
from Babbington's — it won't take me long to convince him. 
[To Alan, as he and Mrs. Jennison prepare to leave.] 
Ever hear of Magnificus Oil.'' 

A LA X. 

I don't believe so. 

Seymour. 

You will. Come, Julia. Good-bye, Walter. Good-bye, 
Harriett. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

Good-bye; good-bye, Mr. Kraigne — glad to have met 
you. 

[Exeunt Seymour and Mrs. Jennison, the 
former talking volubly, at left.] 

Seymour. 

[Off stage.] I thought I knew him. Nice fellow; we'll 
drive out that way tomorrow. 

Walter. 
I've seen you before, Mr. Kraigne. 



AMBUSH 89 

Alan. 

Really ; where ? 

Walter. 

I work at Preston's; I've seen you in Mr. Preston's 
office. 

Alan. 

I've been there on business. [Laughs.] They trust 
me to carry messages. I don't recall 

Walter. 

You wouldn't be likely to remember me. [Playing with 
Margaret's gloves.] I'm one of the clerks. But I 
know your father — he usually stops and chats with me 
when he's in the office. I've been there seventeen years. 

[Enter Margaret, wearing a hat.] 

Margaret. 
Good evening, Alan. 

Alan. 

[BrisMy.] Hello. [To Walter, politely.] I beg 
your pardon, what were you saying.'' 

Walter. 
It wasn't anything important. 

Margaret. 

Mother, where are ray gloves.'' 



40 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 
Your father 

Margaret. 
[Taking them.] 
Good night, Mother. 

Alan. 
Good night, Mrs. Nichols. 

Harriett. 

Good night. 

[Exeunt Alan and Margaret. They laugh 
pleasurahly as they go. Walter follows as 
far as the door, watching them off.] 

Harriett. 
Don't stand there like that — think how it looks. 

Walter. 

[Turning slowly.] It seems so strange. 

Harriett. 
What does.^ 

Walter. 
Howard Kraigne's son calling on our daughter. 

Harriett. 
She's lucky to know such a nice man. 



AMBUSH 41 



Walter, 



[Doubtfully.] I suppose so. You can't help being 
afraid, though. Of course, I know she's a good girl 

Harriett. 

[Interrupting.] Certainly she's good! Margaret never 
had a wrong idea in her head. 

Walter. 

[With a gentle smile.] You think me a pretty queer 
fish, don't you, Harriett? 

Harriett. 

When you've been living with a person for twenty-five 
years, you don't think much about him one way or the 
other. 

Walter. 

[Turns on small lamp on mantel.] But there are times 
when you're puzzled about me.'' When you can't under- 
stand my reason for feeling as I do about things } 

Harriett. 
You're awfully old-fashioned. 

Walter. 

I thought you felt something of that sort. [Thought- 
fullif.] When I was a young fellow, I used to flatter my- 
self that I had ideals. 



42 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 
[Bored.] We all have queer ideas when we're young. 

Walter. 

[Laughs.] You're not very complimentary [Seri- 
ously.] As we grow older, we gradually compromise 
with our ideals. 

Harriett. 
[Who has not heard.] What? 

Walter. 

The trouble with me is that I can't shake off the ideas 
I used to have. 

Harriett. 
That's what I said — you're old-fashioned. 

Walter. 

I don't think it's that. It isn't as though I took my 
ideas from my parents, and I'm certainly not narrow in 
my religious beliefs. What I hate is coarseness, anything 
that cheapens one. When I saw that bracelet on Margaret 
tonight, do you know the first thought that flashed through 
my mind? 

Harriett. 
To make her take it off, I suppose. 

Walter. 

I'm ashamed of it, but for just a second I wondered 
if some man had given it to her. 



AMBUSH 43 

Harriett. 

Well, none did; Margaret talked to me about it the 

other day But I think it's a shame your not letting 

her wear it. 

Walter. 
Why? 

Harriett. 

You're pushing the girl too far. She's young and she's 
pretty, if I do say it, and girls nowadays believe in making 
the most of their looks. It's natural for her to feel out 
of place if she's the only girl in a crowd who hasn't got 
nice things. 

Walter. 

That's it — that's the danger of her associating with 
people who can afford the things she can't. \Sighs.\ I 
guess I'm an old fool. If it gives her pleasure, let her wear 
it. I'll give it back to her in the morning. 

Harriett. 
That's more sensible. 

Walter. 

I'm going to turn over a new leaf. I'm going to give 
up being what you call old-fashioned — I call it "Com- 
promising with one's principles." I've noticed that your 
ways get along a lot better with Margaret than mine do, 
so I'm going to pattern myself after you. Way down in 
your heart you have the same feelings about things that 
I have — Margaret's welfare means as much to you as to me. 



44 AMBUSH 

Harriett, 

I'm glad you realize it. [A pause.] What have you 
decided about Seymour's investment? 

Walter. 

There's nothing to decide. I don't believe in specula- 
tion, and besides we have nothing to speculate with. 

Harriett. 
There's the ten thousand. 

Walter. 
You wouldn't have me use that! 

Harriett. 
Why not? 

Walter. 

It's to be Margaret's when she marries. We decided 
that long ago. 

Harriett. 

Using it Seymour's way would be helping Margaret, 
wouldn't it? 

[Walter shakes his head.] 

I thought you said her welfare meant as much to me 
as to you. 

Walter. 
This is business, Harriett, you don't understand. 



AMBUSH 45 

Harriett. 

[Scornfully.] Business! Do you know so much about 
business? If you did, we wouldn't be skimping the way 
we are. Every word Seymour said was true. 

Walter. 
[Surprised.] You mean his arguments impressed you.'' 

Harriett. 

Any argument that takes me away from the kitchen 
stove impresses me. And if you'd watched Margaret, 
you'd have seen that his arguments impressed her. Do 
you suppose I enjoy doing my own housework all my life? 
And do you suppose it's a pleasure for Margaret to take 
the tube to New York every morning, to spend the day in 
an office, and then take the tube back again in the evening? 
Here's the Jennisons come back. 

[The Jennisons have appeared. Seymour is 
quite hilarious.] 

Seymour. 

[Calling through the xvindow.] I've done it! I've got 
Babbington do^vn for twenty-five thousand! No argument 
— nothing. He was ready before I said a word. [Harriett 
has opened the door and they enter.] Monday I go with 
him to the company's office — you heard him, Julia? [Mrs. 
Jennison is talking to Harriet, and Seymour is irritated.] 
Didn't you hear him, Julia ? 

Mrs. Jennison. 
Of course, Seymour. 



46 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 

After that's settled we're going to talk about buying 
these houses. 

Walter. 

[Laughs.] Can't raise my rent just yet, old friend! 
The lease has two more years to run. 

Seymour. 

[Ignoring the pleasantry, to Mrs. Jennison.] Using 
the car Monday? 

Mrs. Jennison. 

No no, Seymour. 

Seymour. 

I'll take Babbington to New York in it — wonderful what 
an impression a car makes! It's just wonderful the way 
things are coming! 

Walter. 
[Soberly.] You're a very lucky man, Seymour. 

Seymour. 

There's no such thing as "luck." Courage — foresight — 
that's what it is! 

Walter. 

I didn't mean to underrate you. 

Seymour. 

The trouble with a man like you is that you're too thin- 
skinned. Julia's like that too. [To Harriett.] You and 



AMBUSH 47 

I are different — we'll take a chance ! The way Babbington 
received me ! None o' that old attitude the way he used 
to when I came with the rent. It wasn't "Helloj Jenni- 
son." This time it was "Good evening, Mr. Jennison." 
Good news travels fast. Ask Julia. 

Mrs. Jennison. 
He was very polite. 

Seymour. 

You bet! I tell you, Walter, nothing succeeds like 
success. [Wipes his neck with his handkerchief.] You 
know, it seems to me this neighborhood is warmer than it 
used to be. Climate's changing or something. 

Walter. 
Maybe you'd like something cool to drink. Harriett! 

Seymour. 
[To Harriett.] Got any lemons in the house? 

Harriett. 
Yes. 

Mrs. Jennison. 
Don't trouble Harriett like that. 

Harriett. 
[Rising.] It's no trouble. 

Mrs. Jennison. 
I'll help you. 



48 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 

[To Harriett.] We'll shame him into it, Harriett. 
We won't let up on him. 

Harriett. 

[Sullenli/ to Mrs. Jennison.] Come on in. 

[Mrs. Jennison goes first. Exeunt the two 
women into the kitchen.] 

Walter. 

I got Harriett out of the room on purpose, Seymour. I 
want to talk to you alone. 

Seymour. 

[Settling back, puffing hard.] Sure. 

Walter. 

[Sif*.] I wish you wouldn't talk so much about your 
oil stock while Harriett and Margaret are around — 
especially Margaret. 

Seymour. 

You don't have to tell me why. They want you to buy 
some of it. Women have a good instinct about such things 
— I always said so. 

Walter. 
At any rate, it makes it more difficult for me. 

Seymour. 
[Leaning forward.] I'm not sure that ain't a good 



AMBUSH 49 

thing. If they make things uncomfortable enough, you 
might do it. [Walter shakes his head.] Why not.'' 

Walter. 

Wait — I'll show you something. 

[Walter takes the box frovi the desk.] 

Seymour. 
What's that.? 

Walter. 

[Opening the box.] In this I keep the only treasure I 
possess. My brother Richard left me ten thousand dollars 
in his will and I converted it into United States Treasury 
notes. 

Seymour. 
[Scornfully.] Four-and-a-half per cent! 

Walter. 

Richard died five years ago and on my possessing it, 
Harriett and I agreed that it should go to Margaret when 
she married. 

Seymour. 

All right — nobody's saying that you should spend it. 
But why not use the principal and spend the profit.'' Or 
give her twenty thousand instead of ten? You can make 
that much in six months. 

Walter. 
This is good enough for me, Seymour. 



60 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 
What's the rest^ jewelry? 

Walter. 
[Embarrassed.] Some cheap thing of Margaret's. 

Seymour. 

Damned if I understand you, Walter. And I'm afraid 
you don't understand your family. [Walter looks up 
sharply.] Women are funny about some things — they 
don't like a man to be too cautious. And nowadays — 
people ain't so plain and simple as you'd have 'em. Here, 
let me ask you something. Why isn't Margaret wearing 
this bracelet? 

Walter. 

Oh, I had some idea that she oughtn't. But I just told 
Harriett 

Seymour. 

I knew it! She wants to wear it, don't she? [Before 
Walter can reply.] 'Course she does. Going out with a fel- 
ler like Kraigne she wants to look as well as she can. And 
you won't let her! Do you suppose she understands your 
reasons? I don't know what they are myself. Or, say 
she does. Does she think they're right. [Looks at 
bracelet.] 

Walter. 

[With an embarrassed laugh.] Don't look at it, Sey- 
mour, it's too ridiculous. 



AMBUSH 61 

Seymour. 

[Examining it under the light.] What's ridiculous 
about it ? 

Walter. 

Of course you know what it's worth. 

Seymour. 

I can't guarantee to come nearer than two or three 
hundred, but the stones are very fine quality. 

Walter. 
[Slowly — turning pale.] Very — fine — quality? 

Seymour. 

The stones. And the setting is a peach. Jt's a new 
piece, isn't it? 

Walter. 

You're sure it's very good? 

Seymour. 

Of course — I know jewelry. But you must know what 
it's worth if you bought it. [Returns the bracelet to 
Walter.] 

Walter. 

[Quickly.] Of course. [Replaces the bracelet, mechanic- 
ally locking the box.] Seymour! 

Seymour. 

What? 



62 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

Will you do me a favor? Don't mention the bracelet 
to Harriett or Margaret. You see, it only reminds them 
and causes trouble. 

Seymour. 
[Dryly.] It ought to. 

Walter. 

You won't mention it ^ 

[Enter Harriett with lemonade and glasses on 
a tray. Mrs. Jennison precedes her.] 

Harriett. 
Let's go out on the porch — it's cooler. 
[Exeunt the women outside.] 

Seymour. 
You bet! [Starts for door.] 

Walter. 
Seymour ! 

Seymour. 
Don't be afraid ! I won't mention it. 

[Exit Seymour. Walter stands at the table.] 

CURTAIN 



AMBUSH 



Act II 



53 



ACT II. 

SCENE: Same as Act I. 

DISCOVERED: Walter in the armchair, trying to 
read a New York Sunday paper. Some sheets of it are 
on the floor, near his feet. Walter's face is gaunt, like 
the face of one who has not slept well, and his movements 
are nervous. He tries to read and finds it difficult. A 
sound attracts him, and he gets up to look out of the 
window. Harriett enters from the kitchen and stands in 
the doorway. 

Harriett. 
What are you doing? 

Walter. 
Somebody passed the house. I got up to look. 

Harriett. 
Won't you have anything now? 

Walter. 

[Half -turning, very tired.] No, thanks. 

Harriett. 
You'd better take something. 

Walter. 

I've had coffee; I don't want anything else. Where 
can she be? 

65 



66 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 
Oh, Margaret's all right. 

Walter. 

[Coming down.] She left before eight last night, and 
now it's [Glances at the clock] nearly eleven. She hasn't 
telephoned. 

Harriett. 

Maybe she tried to and couldn't get the house. You 
know how bad the service is on these party lines. [Refers 
to the papers.] I wish you wouldn't mess up the room 
like this. 

Walter. 

[As he picks them up.] I'm sorry I'm nervous. 

You're sure you can't remember the name of Mr. Kraigne's 
cousdn ? 

Harriett. 
No, I can't. They live somewhere in Orange. 

Walter. 
I've a good mind to phone his house. 

Harriett. 
[Stops.] What's the good of that? 

W A L T B a. 

Just to ask whether he's home. There may have been 
an accident. 



AMBUSH 67 

Harriett. 

Now, don't act like a fool. If you did that, it would 
look as if you thought he and Margaret 

Walter. 

Don't say it! They might tell us his cousin's number 
and we could phone there. What makes you think they 
went there last night ? 

Harriett. 

Margaret's been talking about her, that's all. But don't 
phone, 'cause any phoning would look bad. 

Walter. 
I won't. 

Harriett. 
When she comes I suppose you'll lose your temper? 

Walter. 
• No. 

Harriett. 

Well, don't. Margaret's angry yet about the bracelet — 
I know the way she takes things — and there's no use in 
you two quarrelling. 

Walter. 

[Trying to speak lightly.] How long ago did Margaret 
buy the bracelet? 



68 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 

[Without loohing at him.] Two or three days ago. 
Thursday, I think. 

Walter. 
You weren't with her when she bought it? 

Harriett. 
You know I wasn't in New York last week. 

Walter, 
What was the first intimation you had of it-f* 

Harriett. 
What's the sense of all this fuss? 

Walter. 
I was just wondering. Can you remember? 

Harriett. 

[Impatiently.] Yes, I remember very well — one day — 
Tuesday or Wednesday — she told me she'd seen an imita- 
tion bracelet she'd like to have, and that she'd saved 
enough money to buy it. I haven't got the same ideas 
about things that you have, and I know how young girls 
feel about having pretty things, so I told her to go ahead. 
On Thursday she showed it to me, and that's all there 
is to it. 

[Walter goes to her. With a faint smile, he 
kisses her cheek.] 

What's that for? 



AMBUSH 69 

Walter. 
You're a good woman, Harriett. 

Harriett. 

It's a funny time to tell me, now I'm forty-two years 
old. [Looks at him.] Why don't you put on your old 
clothes, if you're going automobiling .f* The Jennisons '11 
be here soon. 

Walter. 

I couldn't go, with Margaret away. [In some surprise.] 
Could you.f* 

Harriett. 

I wouldn't be comfortable. But you might as well get 
ready, so when she does come 

Walter. 

I won't go, anyhow. You know how badly I slept — 
I lay awake even longer than you think. And when 
I got up at three o'clock and found Margaret wasn't 
home 

Harriett. 
That's when you woke me. 

Walter. 

You fell asleep again, but I didn't close an eye. As 
soon as Margaret gets home I'll go up and lie down. 

Harriett. 
You won't scold her? Give me your word! 



60 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

I promise I won't scold her. [A moment's pause.] Har- 
riett, do you think it's a good thing 

Harriett. 
[Interrupts.] Talk louder. I can't hear you. 

Walter. 

Do you think her going with young Mr. Kraigne is a 
good thing.'' 

Harriett. 
[Who has taken a step nearer.] Why not? 

Walter. 

That's so — you don't share my fears about "new ideas," 
do you? 

Harriett. 

I think, if Margaret's to marry well, she's got to get 
out and meet people. 

Walter. 
We know a lot of nice people, Harriett. 

Harriett. 
They're not the kind Margaret cares for. 

Walter. 
But why not? 



AMBUSH 61 

Harriett. 
She wouldn't be content to live the kind of life we do. 

Walter. 

You spoke just now of Margaret marrying. Do you 
suppose men like Mr. Kraigne would wish to marry her.'' 

Harriett. 
Things like that have happened before. 

Walter. 
I I'm afraid that won't happen. 

Harriett. 
You always expect the worst. 

Walter. 

And meanwhile her head gets filled with ideas that are 
too big for her. 

Harriett. 

Well^ if she gets big ideas, she'll be the only one in the 
family that has 'em. 

Walter. 
Has slie spoken to you about Mr. Kraigne? 

Harriett. 
How do you mean, "spoken".'* 



62 AMBUSH 

Walter. 
Well, told you how they spend their time. 

Harriett. 
I don't ask questions the way you do. 

Walter. 
She has never hinted that he wishes to marry her.'' 

Harriett. 

There's one thing sure! Nohody'll want to marry her 
if you spoil her disposition every time she goes out. [An 
autohorn is heard; she looks out of the window.] 
There are the Jennison's, coming for us. Now, brace up 
and don't let 'em see you're worried. [Walter rises, 
trying to master his unhappiness, as the Jennisons ascend.} 
I wish you'd come along. 

Walter. 

I couldn't. 

[He opens the door before the hell is rung, ad- 
mitting the Jennisons. Mrs. Jennison wears 
an old coat and a veil, hut Seymour's clothes 
are the last word in motor apparel.] 

S ETMO UR. 

Everybody ready? 

Harriett. 
Walter's not going. 



AMBUSH 63 

Seymour. 
What? 

Mrs. Jennison. 
[Disappointed.] Why not.'* 

Walter. 

I'm not feeling quite right. I thought I'd stay home 
and rest. 

Seymour. 

Nonsense! The air'll do you good. Nothing like auto- 
mobiling to make you feel good. [Rubbing his hands.] 
Ask Julia. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

If Walter thinks he'd feel better staying home, maybe 
he'd better stay. 

Seymour. 

You people are too old-fashioned for me. [To Har- 
riett.] Give him Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup and 
let it go at that. Where's Margaret? Maybe she'd like 
to go. 

Harriett. 

[Without hesitation.] She slept at a friend's house. 

Seymour. 

Oh! Well, come along, Harriett. You women can sit 
in the back — I'll stick up with the chauffeur. We're 
losing time. 



64, AMBUSH 

Harriett. 
I'll get my gloves and things. [Exits upstairs.] 

Mrs. Jennison. 

[Anxiously, following Walter.] You're not really ill, 
Walter? 

Walter. 

Oh, no. 

Seymour. 

[Surveying the room.] Pretty good houses, for what 
they are. Not a bad arrangement, the one I'm making 
with Babbington. [Straight at Walter.] Don't suppose 
you've changed your mind.'' [Walter looks up absently.] 
I asked whether you've changed your mind about the 
stock? 

Walter. 

I don't feel like talking business just now, Seymour. 

Seymour. 

Seedy — that's what you are. Comes from sticking too 
long at one thing. Here! [Expands his chest.] Expand- 
ing your chest like that is good for you; well, expanding 
your ideas is good the same way. 

Walter. 
[Smiling faintly.] That's a good argument to remember. 

Seymour. 

Oh, I won't have to argue much longer. In six months 
I'll settle down to managing my own affairs, and the 



AMBUSH 65 

company can hire somebody else. I'll be a stockholder, 
but not an employee. 

[Unseen hy them, Margaret has ascended the 
steps. The door having been left ajar, she 
enters. Walter hears her, and turns.] 

Walter. 
Margaret! [He forgets himself in his excitement.] 

Margaret. 

[Timidly.] Good morning. [She is nervous and 
anxious.] 

Seymour. 
Hello, Margaret. 

Margaret. 
Hello, father! 

Seymour. 

Been sleeping out with a friend, I hear.'' How children 
grow up I Seems like yesterday you had to be put to bed — 
you were such a kid. 

[Harriett, toearing a hat, comes downstairs.] 

Harriett. 

[With a trace of bitterness, to Margaret.] I thought 
I heard you. [To Seymour.] Wait for me in the car — 
I'll be right out. 

Seymour. 

[To Walter.] Can't persuade you? 



66 AMBUSH 

Mrs. Jennison. 

So sorry you're not going, Walter. We've got lunch in 
the basket. 

Walter. 
No, thanks. 

Harriett. 
There's some cold things for him in the ice-box. 

Seymour. 

[As they goJ\ Come along, Julie. 

[Exeunt Seymour and Mrs. Jennison, rear. 
Walter is too full of emotion for speech.^ 

Harriett. 

[Now fairly vibrating with anger, to Margaret.] You 
ought to be ashamed of yourself! 

Margaret. 
[On her dignity.^ Well, I'll say this is a nice reception. 

Harriett. 
Where have you been? 

Margaret. 
[Lightly. \ At the Lydall's. 

Harriett. 
Who? 



AMBUSH 67 

Margaret. 

Louise Lydall is Alan's cousin — I've told you about her. 
We went there last evening and she persuaded me to spend 
the night. 

Harriett. 

Why didn't you telephone? Your father and me up half 
the night, worrying! 

Margaret. 

You don't look very bad. I didn't telephone because I 
couldn't get the number. I called and called, but there 
was no answer. 

Harriett. 
I thought that was it. [Starts for door.] 

Margaret. 
Isn't father going with you.'' 

Harriett, 

I don't think so. 

[Walter shakes his head.] 

Margaret. 
[Suddenly, as Harriett is at the door.] Oh, mother 



Harriett. 

What? [She crosses swiftly and whispers to her mother. 
Harriett is seen to whisper in reply, and then she speaks 
in her natural tone.] I don't blame you. 



68 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 
[Earnestly.] Remember — I mean it! 

Harriett. 

[To Walter.] Margaret's afraid you're going to make 
a fuss after I go. 

[Walter is silent.] 

Margaret. 
Are you? 'Cause if you are, I'll go out again. 

Walter. 
Margaret dear, you mustn't talk like that. 

Margaret. 

Besides, Alan's coming for me in the afternoon and we're 
going out for dinner. I don't want to look all nervous and 
unhappy. 

Walter. 
[Involuntarily.] You're going out again! 

Margaret. 

[Ugly.] You see! Now, listen to me! If you've got 
any questions to ask, ask them now, because I intend to 
get some rest. 

Walter. 

You were with Mr. Kraigne's cousin who lives in 
Orange ? 



AMBUSH 69 

Harriett. 
I thought that's where she was. 

Margaret. 

What about it? She insisted on my staying there and I 
had every intention of phoning and telling you so. Well, 
I couldn't. It wasn't my fault. Alan had already gone 
and there was no way for me to get home. 

Walter. 
All right, dear, all right. 

Margaret. 
Anything more.^ 

Harriett. 

The poor girl did everything she could. 
[Margaret exits upstairs.] 

Walter. 
[Gently.] She might have phoned this morning. 

Harriett. 

It's just past eleven — she probably came the moment she 
was dressed, I shouldn't have scolded the way I did. 
Now, you're not going to bother her, are you? 

[Seymour appears at the window and thrusts his 
head in.] 

Seymour. 
What the devil is keeping you? 



70 AMBUSH 

Walter. 
[Cheerfully.] Harriett's read}^ 

Harriett. 
[In a low tone.] You'll be careful.'' 

Walter. 
Don't worry. 

Harriett. 
You're a fimny man! [Exit Harriett, rear.] 

Seymour. 

[Calls through uindorv.] She'll be home before five. 

[Harriett and Seymour disappear, Seymour 
heard talking to her as they go.] 

We want to eat our limch at one. The morning's the best 
time o' day for riding. 

[Walter is alone.] 

Walter. 

[Calling.] Margaret. [His voice is woefully weak.] 
Margaret. [No answer; he climbs the first step, and calls 
more loudly.] Margaret! 

Margaret. 

[Upstairs.] Somebody call me? 

Walter. 
It's father. I'd like to talk to you, dear. 



I'm lying down. 



AMBUSH 71 

Margaret. 

Walter. 



Please come. 

Margaret. 
I told you I wanted to rest. 

Walter. 
I know, but — please. 

Margaret. 
What's it about.? 

Walter. 
Just something I want to ask you. 

Margaret. 

I won't answer a single question. [Walter turns baf- 
fled, but to his surprise, a moment later, Margaret speaks 
again.] Oh! all right — I'll come! [Walter closes out- 
side door as Margaret enters.] What do you want? 
[Walter finds it difficult to explain. He wishes to be gentle, 
but finds cross-examination difficult under such conditions.] 

Walter. 
Sit down, dear. 

Margaret. 
But what's the idea? [Catches herself.] I mean, 



72 AMBUSH 

father, that I'm sleepy. Besides, people are coming for 
me later and I don't want to look tired out. 

[Walter has gone to her. Entirely from tender- 
ness he tries to place his hand on her shoulder. 
At the first touch she shrinks back in vague 
alarm. He looks at her.] 

Walter. 

Are you afraid of me? [She gives him a quick look, dark 
and suspicious, dropping her eyes again.] You act as if 
you were, and I've wondered sometimes whether you hide 
your real feelings from me because you feel I would 
disapprove. 

Margaret. 
You do find fault an awful lot. 

Walter. 

I don't mean to. There are times when I feel I ought — 
for your own sake. 

Margaret. 

I admit you have a right to be angry about last night, but 
honestly it wasn't my fault. 

Walter. 

I want you to feel, though — always, dear — that what- 
ever I say or do is because I love you. 

Margaret. 
Well, I'm sorry. I can't say any more than that. 



AMBUSH 73 

Walter. 
Don't go yet — please. 

Margaret. 

Can't you keep what you have to say until some time 
when I feel better? 

Walter. 

This moment is perfect. I couldn't speak like this if 
your mother were home. 

Margaret. 
What is all this? You promised to let me alone. 

Walter. 
I'm unhappy, dear. 

Margaret. 
You take things too seriously. 

Walter. 

That's it — I take things seriously. I wish to Heaven 
I didn't, but since I do, I'm going to ask you to relieve me 
a little. Do you think it wise to keep the company you do ? 

Margaret. 
What company? 

Walter. 
Mr. Kraigne. for instance, and his friends. 



74 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 
Alan goes with the nicest people in New York. 

Walter. 
You can't alTord to go with such people. 

Margaret. 
It doesn't cost me anything. 

Walter. 

Not in monejj perhaps [She looks puzzled.] Char- 
acter and principles — and self-respect. I've noticed so 
often of late that you seem dissatisfied here at home. 

Margaret. 

[Warmly.] Well, who wouldn't? The only thing that 
makes it bearable at all is that I sometimes have a chance 
to get away from it. [He drops his head; Margaret is 
affected.] I don't mean to hurt you, father^ but since you 
ask me I have to tell the truth. 

Walter. 

And you don't see my reason for wanting you to give 
them up? 

Margaret. 

I certainly don't. 

[A pause; he tries another tack.] 

Walter. 

How do you spend your time when you are with those 
people ? 



AMBUSH 76 

Margaret. 

[Wearily.] Oh, goodness! 

Walter. 

I didn't mean that. Does — does Mr. Kraigne ever make 
love to you? 

[Margaret gasps, but immediately breaks into a 
laugh.] 

Margaret. 
What an idea! 

Walter. 

Margaret, darling, you must tell me the truth! [Fixes 
his eyes on her and a note of sternness creeps into his 
voice.] Where did you get the bracelet you wore last night? 

Margaret. 

[Calmly.] You heard all about that before I left. Are 
you going to begin again? 

Walter. 

You told me you bought it yourself and that it wasn't 
real. 

Margaret. 

Yes, and you know that's the truth because mother knew 
all about it. 

Walter. 

Your mother repeated what you had told her. 



76 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 

Let me get this straight. You think I didn't tell the 
truth ; is that it ? And you think mother didn't, either ? 

Walter. 

No! No! No! You told her the stones weren't real 
and she believed it, just as I did. 

Margaret. 

[Rising, speaks gravely.] I won't stay in a house where 
I'm called a liar. [Starts for stairs.] 

Walter. 
Margaret ! We must come to an understanding. 

Margaret. 

[Furiously.] Do you suppose I'll stay here and be spoken 
to like that ! 

Walter. 
However much it hurts both of us, we must have it out. 

Margaret. 

Well, come on. What is it? 

Walter. 
Where did you get that bracelet? 

Margaret. 
I bought it. 



AMBUSH 77 

Walter. 
Where did you get the money to buy it? 

Margaret. 

[Scornfully.] You haven't forgotten that I work, have 

you .^ 

Walter. 

You couldn't have saved enough from your salary to 
buy anything like that. 

Margaret. 
[Laughs.] An imitation. 

Walter. 

[Shaking his head.] It isn't an imitation. 

Margaret. 
It is! 

Walter. 
I know better, dear. The diamonds are real. 

Margaret. 

Well, what if they are? Diamonds of poor quality are 
almost as cheap as imitations. 

Walter. 

You couldn't possibly have paid for it. 

[A pause. Margaret, pale and tense, is like an 
animal driven into a corner, ready to fight.] 



78 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 

Now remember: if you drive me too far, I'll leave this 
house and never come back! 

Walter. 

I'm not trying to hurt you — oh, darling, can't you see 
I'm trying to help you? [She starts for the stairs.] 
There's no use in your running away — I'll follow you and 
wait. [She is undecided.] I must understand this, be- 
cause, if I don't, I'll never have another peaceful hour. 
I only want it settled now — between us — so your mother 
needn't know. 

Margaret. 

[QuicJcly.] You don't want mother to know about it? 

Walter. 

Not if we can possibly help it. It would hurt her too 
much. Now, dear. 

Margaret. 
If you must know, it was given to me. 

Walter. 

Why didn't you say so from the start? 

Margaret. 
You'd have made me give it back. I wanted to keep it. 

Walter. 

You preferred to deceive me about it, and to deceive 
your mother? 



AMBUSH 79 

Margaret. 
I deceived you both. What about it? 

Walter. 
Who gave it to you.'' [No answer.] Mr. Kraigne? 

Margaret. 
Maybe. 

Walter. 
[Exasperated.] Was it Mr. Kraigne? 

Margaret. 

Yes, it was Alan. 

[Now she has answered, his voice loses all 
asperity.] 

Walter. 

Men don't make gifts like that unless they are very fond 
of a girl. 

Margaret. 

What do you know about such men? They're not like 
you and your friends. [Archly.] As a matter of fact, 
though, Alan does like me. 

Walter. 
It's more than that! 

Margaret. 

[Trying to be angry, but actually frightened.] What 
do you mean by that? 



80 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

[Looks at her closely. She drops her eyes and btirsts into 

tears.] Dearest [For an instant he cannot go on.] Oh, 

my little girl, all I want in the world is to see you happy. 
Whatever has happened, I will never blame you — never. 

Trust me. If you have made some mistake nobody 

need ever know. Just you and I, darling no one else. 

Why, I'll surround you with tenderness and love 

Margaret. 

I'm not good enough to touch you! 

[His fear now becomes a certainty; he looks be- 
fore him with dull eyes and open mouth, then 
there is a moment of silence.] 

Walter. 
I'm your father, I love you, I want to help you. 

Margaret. 

I don't want you to help me! I don't want anybody to 
help me ! 

Walter. 

[Shaking his head, smiling weakly.] Do you think I'm 
the kind of a father who would turn his child out of the 
house ? No, dear, I'm going to love you, and help you and 
make you forget. You're only a child, darling, after all. 

Margaret. 
I wasn't to blame ! I swear I wasn't to blame ! 



AMBUSH 81 

Walter. 

I'm sure you weren't, dear — I'm sure. [She rises and 
starts for phone.] Where are you going? 

Margaret, 

He's calling for me at four o'clock — I'm going to tele- 
phone and tell him not to come. 

Walter. 

[Involuntarily.] No! [She looks at him.] I'm excited, 
dear, I hardly know — You're quite right, dear. 
[Margaret goes to telephone.] 

Margaret. 

[At telephone.] Morristown 8225. [She waits for an 
answer, and a soh escapes her. Hearing an expression of 
her grief, he has a struggle to keep hack his own tears.] 
Daddy, I'm so ashamed. 

Walter. 

[Looking at her.] It's all right, dearest. We're going 
to begin all over again. Now we understand, we can lay 
plans for the future. After today we'll never speak of it — 
never. 

Margaret. 

[At telephone.] Morristown 8225.'' Mr. Alan Kraigne, 
please. No.'' [A great fear comes into her eyes.] Will 
you give him a message, please .ft Tell him Miss Nichols 
cannot meet him this afternoon. [Listens.] Yes. Thank 
you. [Hangs up receiver.] He isn't home. I shall never 
see him again. 



82 AMBUSH 

Walter. 
That's right, dear. 

Margaret. 

If he comes here, we mustn't see him, father — not you, 
either. [She sobs.] 

Walter. 
[Tenderly.] Do you love him, dear.^ 

Margaret. 
Do you think, if I didn't 

Walter. 

No! No! I understand. He made love to you, he 
made you believe Did he promise to marry you? 

Margaret. 

He loved me, father, and he promised to marry me, and 
/ loved him. 

Walter. 

Of course, dear — what a fool I was not to understand. 
[Furiously.] These men, with plenty of money and no 
conscience, dangle their gifts and their promises before a 
girl's eyes 

Margaret. 
He would marry me, only — only his people won't let him. 



AMBUSH 83 

Walter. 
He Has told you that? 

Margaret. 
His father would disinherit him if he did. 

Walter. 

The beasts! The beasts! [After a moment.] Tell me 
about it, can't you — won't you.^ 

Margaret. 
It began a month ago. He told me he loved me. 

Walter. 
And did you care for him? 

Margaret. 

Oh, so much, father! He told me that some day we 
would be married. You can imagine how I felt. He's the 
only man I ever loved, father. 

Walter. 
Did you ask him when you would be married? 

Margaret. 

He said it would happen before the winter. And then — 
[She breaks down, burying her head in her hands.] I knew 
I was doing wrong! I knew it! But he said he would 
marry me and that as long as we were going to be married, 
it was all right. 



84, AMBUSH 

Walter. 
He said nothing then of his parents* opposition? 

Margaret. 

A week later. [Thinks hard.] Yes, it was a week. It 
nearly killed me. [A pause.] 

Walter. 

[Puzzled.] Even after he told you, you continued to 
meet him. 

Margaret. 

[In a hard tone.] Why not? Nothing mattered any 
more. 

Walter. 

You mustn't say that ! You mustn't believe it ! 

Margaret. 
My life is ruined. I don't care now what happens to me. 

Walter. 

No, Margaret. Everything can be all right — it depends 
on the future. 

Margaret. 

Do you really believe it can, daddy? Say you believe 
it 

Walter. 

[Encouragingly.] Of course I believe it, dear. You're 
a good girl at heart. 



AMBUSH 86 

Margaret. 
You'll trust me? 

Walter. 

Always! [Holds her tightly.] They've lied to you and 
made you unhappy. All I've ever wanted was to make you 
happy. But it's going to be all right, dear. If he loves 
you enough he will break down every obstacle and claim 
you; if he doesn't, you must bury your love for him deep 
down in your heart and little by little time will lay the 
dust upon it. 

[Margaret raises her head.] 

Margaret. 
You must never mention all this again — never! 

Walter. 

After today not a word will be said. It's our secret. 
Your mother will never suspect — you'll see. 

Margaret. 
I couldn't stand it ! 

[With infinite tenderness he takes her in his arms 
and kisses her. Tears start afresh from her 
eyes, and as he releases her she utters a great 
sob. Still weeping, she rushes from him and 
hurries up the stairs.^ 

Walter. 

[Calling softly.] Margaret. [At telephone.] Morris- 
town 2 — no — 8225. Is this Morristown 8225.? Mr. How- 
ard Kraigne, please. [Listens.] Mr. Kraigne? [Instinc- 



86 AMBUSH 

tively he becomes the clerk, and there is something deferen- 
tial in the way he introduces himself.] This is Walter 
Nichols speaking — Walter Nichols, the clerk at L. A. Pres- 
ton & Co. I hope you'll pardon my telephoning to you, 
Mr. Kraigne — 

[The curtain has been descending and the rest of 
his speech cannot be heard.] 

CURTAIN. 

[The curtain rises almost immediately and 
Walter is discovered at the door. Walter 
opens the door. He is very nervous and very 
polite.] 

Walter. 

[With a botv.] Good afternoon, Mr. Kraigne. Won't 
you come in? 

[Howard Kraigne looks at his host keenly as he 
comes in, and Walter shuts the door behind 
him. He asks for Kraigne's hat in pantomime, 
and hangs it upon the hatrack. Kraigne is a 
man of 56, tall, good-looking, quiet, dignified. 
His hair is quite gray, but he is strongly built 
and walks with the air of a younger man. 

Kr A I o N E. 
I came as soon as I could. How are you, Nichols.^ 

Walter. 

I'm well, thanks. Will you sit down.f* [Kraigne sits as 
indicated by Walter.] I appreciate your coming, Mr. 
Kraigne. You didn't mention my phone call to your son? 



y 



AMBUSH 87 

Kr A I G N E. 

Alan hasn't been home since dinner-time last evening. 
But you asked me not to mention it, so I shouldn't have 
said anything even if I had seen him. Now, perhaps you 
will be good enough to tell me what all this is about. 

Walter. 
It concerns your son and my daughter. 

Er A I GN E. 

I thought it was something like that. How old is your 
daughter .'^ 

Walter. 
Nineteen. 

K R A I O N E. 

What sort of a girl is she? 

Walter. 
"What sort" 

K R a I GN E. 

Is she lively, or is she the quiet, domesticated type.'' 

Walter. 
[In difficulties.] What happened came as a great shock. 

K R A I G N E. 

Your wife is living.'' 

Walter. 
She is out at present. 



88 AMBUSH 

K a A I G N E. 

What I am trying to find out is this: is your daughter 
a girl who knows something of life and so may be presumed 
to know what she is doing, or is she 

Walter. 

I will let you judge for yourself, later. I thought it best 
for you and me to talk befoi'e I call her. 

K R A I G N E. 

By all means. You will find me very easy to reason 
with. There has been some sort of affair, I take it, between 
your daughter and Alan.f* [Walter, wincing, drops his 
head.] Have you met my son.^ 

Walter. 
Last night, when he called for Margaret. 

Kr A I O N E. 

How did he impress you? 

Walter. 
Very well, at the time. 

K r A I G N E. 

You see, I believe in looking at a question from every 
side. 

W A L T E R. 

I only spoke to him for a moment. 



AMBUSH 89 

K R A I O N E. 

Then you didn't know, at that time, what you know now ? 
[Walter shakes his head.] My son has virtues and vices 
like most young men brought up as he has been. You see, 
I began life very poor — when I married, I was already 
doing well. My son was brought up with plenty of 
money, but no traditions regarding the way it should be 
spent; pleasure is what he has always sought. But he's 
no worse than other young men in such circumstances — 
better than most, in fact. [With conviction.] There's one 
thing about him — he's honest and truthful and hates de- 
ception of any kind. I make a point of that. [Briskly.] 
How did you learn what you did.^" 

Walter. 

Margaret was wearing this last night. When I asked 
her about it, she said she bought it herself and that the 
stones were imitations. My wife said the same thing — 
you see, Margaret had told her the same story. 



Kr A I o N E. 



It wasn't true? 



Walter. 
It was a gift from your son. 

K R A I G N E. 

[Cynically.] I forgot to mention, among my son's vir- 
tues, that he is very generous. [Returns the bracelet to 
Walter. Kraigne says thoughtfully:] You realize that 
all this shows your daughter to be rather accomplished in 
the art of deception? 



90 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

[Hurt.] How could she tell the truth about a thing 
like that? 

Kr AIONE. 

I grant you her motive was adequate. How did you 
learn the real facts ? 

Walter. 

A friend to whom I showed it and who used to be in the 
jewelry business declared it was genuine. I taxed Margaret 
with it just before I phoned to you, and she admitted it 
was given her. Of course, I was mortified — I'm suffering 
now more than you think. Little by little I learned the 
rest of the story. 

[There is an interruption.'] 

Margaret. 
[From upstairs.] Father! 

Walter. 
Yes, dear? 

Margaret. 
Are you talking to somebody? 

Walter. 

Yes, but it's no one you know. [Whispers.] She thinks 
your son may come. 

K R A I GN E. 

He hasn't been here yet today? 



AMBUSH 91 

Walter. 

No; Margaret came home alone this morning 

K R A I O N E. 

She didn't spend the night at home? 

Walter. 

They visited your cousin in Orange — Miss Lydall, I 
believe is the name — and Margaret spent the night there. 

K r A I o N E. 

I'm afraid there's some mistake, Nichols. Miss Lydall, 
with her mother and father, visited us this morning, and 
all three mentioned that they hadn't seen Alan for weeks. 

Walter. 

Then last night [He turns away from Kraigne, un- 
willing to have the latter see his grief.] 

Kraigne. 

What made you think they were at the Lydall's? [There 
is no reply.] Did she say so? 

Walter. 

It was before I learned the truth. She didn't want me 
to find out. 

Kraigne. 

It would be a natural thing for her to say. 

Walter. 
[Sharply.] She said it to spare me! 



92 AMBUSH 

K R A I G N E. 

No doubt. Still, one hates to find a girl too clever. 

Walter. 

She isn't to blame! The cause of it was that your son, 
under the promise of marriage, won my girl's affections 

Kr A I GN E. 

It was foolish of her to yield. 

Walter. 
She is a child. 

K R A I G N E. 

Nineteen is not so young as it used to be. 

Walter. 

It is still very young. 

K R A I G N E. 

Even at nineteen women have certain restraints. [Walter 
is puzzled.] I don't know any better term for it — it's 
only in the last ten or twelve years that I've had the leisure 
for reading and study. What I mean is that good women 
have certain instincts which, so to speak, protect their 
modesty. 

Walter. 
And you mean that Margaret 



AMBUSH 93 

K R A I ON E. 

I am generalizing — I merely want to point out that, in 
love affairs quite as much as in business, it takes two to 
make a bargain. Alan, you say, promised to marry her? 

Walter. 
Yes. 

K R A I G N E. 

In that case your daughter made a grave error in judg- 
ment. To accord a man the privilege of marriage without 
having the deal consummated is like giving a man the benefit 
of a contract and waiving his consideration. [Warmly.] 
Nevertheless, that would not excuse my son. 

Walter. 
I'm glad you take that view of it. 

K R A I 6 N E. 

I won't have him lie or do dishonest things ! If he 
promised to marry your daughter he must explain his 
change of mind. 

Walter. 

He said his parents would disinherit him if he married 
her. 

Kr A I ON e. 

What! [He exhibits his first sign of excitement, but 
recovers himself immediately.] 

Walter. 
Yes! 



94 AMBUSH 

K R A I G N E. 

I daresay his mother would disapprove, [Grimly.] But 
disinheriting could only be done by me. 

Walter. 
You knew nothing of all this ? 

Kr A I O N E. 

Certainly not. You're an intelligent man — and educated. 
More educated than I, for instance^ and yet you accept the 
easiest and most obvious explanation of all the things 
you see. Don't you know, Nichols, that when a girl is — 
when she yields — it might be for any one of a dozen 
reasons.'' Sometimes the girl is deceived, but not always. 
And sometimes the reasons are positively trivial — boredom, 

love of excitement, curiosity [Walter turns.] Oh, 

yes, my dear Nichols, that's perfectly true And it's 

also true that women nowadays are restless and — in a 
material sense — ambitious. When such women yield it's be- 
cause they see a chance to advance themselves. 

Walter. 
[Horrified.] Advance themselves! 

K R A I GN E. 

In a material sense. Again I apologize if I hurt you, but 
I take it you are not in a position to offer your women-folk 
luxuries ? Has it never seemed to you that they resent this 
fact? 

Walter. 
[Defensively.] I suppose it's human nature. 



AMBUSH 95 

Kr A I ON E. 

Of course it is. It's human nature. But it isn't always 
money that attracts them — as often as not a girl sees in 
her intimate relationship with a man her only opportunity 
to associate with people in what is called "a higher social 
sphere" than her own. 

Walter. 
I'm sure 

K R A I o N E. 

I don't say this is true of your daughter — I have no 
opinion on the subject. [Shakes his head reflectively.] 
Such women are usually disappointed. They meet the men- 
folk all right enough, but until the women folk accept them 
they're still derelicts. [Draws a long breath, laughs.] 
Good heavens, how far afield we are! 

Walter. 
[Politely.] It's very interesting, sir. 

Krai ON E. 

[Dryly.] Yes, I've noticed that the sex problem interests 
everybody. [Walter looks up anxiously.] I didn't mean 
to be frivolous, I beg your pardon. [Sympathetically.] I 
know how you feel. I don't pretend I can put myself in 
your place, for I'm a pretty callous person, but I recognize 
your grief and I respect it. More than that, my dear 
Nichols, I shall do all in my power to dispel it. If my 
son gained your daughter's confidence through promise of 
marriage, I shall demand that he keep his word. 

[Walter can hardly believe this. He stares at 
Kraigne in amazement.] 



96 AMBUSH 

W A I- T E R. 

You won't oppose them? 

Kr A I G N E. 

My argument will be entirely the other way. 

Walter. 

Oh, my dear Mr. Kraigne! [On his feet, he ecstatically 
grasps Kraigne's hand.] 

Kraigne. 

Of course, they must satisfy us that they want to marry. 
There'd be no sense in bringing about a marriage they don't 
want. 

Walter. 

There'll be no trouble about that. Margaret told me 
your son is very much in love with her, and as for 
Margaret 

Kraigne. 

[Rises, smiling.] Looks as if we'd done a good piece of 
business today, doesn't it.f* 

Walter. 

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your stand in 
this matter, sir. My wife and daughter are all I have in 
the world [Kraigne, still smiling, shakes his head.] 

Why do you shake your head, sir? 



AMBUSH 97 

K R A I O N E. 

Because they're not all you have, Nichols. You have 
another possession that's a beautiful thing in itself, but 
that's capable of being a pretty heavy burden. [Walter 
is puzzled.] Pride, my dear Nichols, pride. The tenderest 
spot of your whole carcass is your self-respect. When 
anything wounds that, you suffer the agonies of the 
damned. 

Walter. 
So you've noticed that? 

K R A I G N e. 

Noticed it! It's one of the first things I look for in a 
man — if he's got it he's a gentleman; but it doesn't help 
him to make money. [Walter starts.] What is it? 

[From time to time Walter has cast quick glanqes 
through the window, and now, while Kraigne 
is speaking, he sees Alan ascending.] 

Walter. 

She mustn't know he's here ! [He quickly opens the 
door. Alan does not at first see his father.] 

Alan. 

[To Walter.] Good afternoon, Mr. Nichols. 

[Walter stands aside, and Alan enters. As 
Alan sees his father he starts.] 

Kraigne. 

Hello, young man. [He is not in the least excited, but 
he says to Walter:] Excuse my emotion, Nichols, but this 



98 AMBUSH 

is the first time I've seen my son today. [To Alan.] You 
haven't been home, have you? 

Alan. 

No. 

Kr A I GN E. 

If you had, you'd have found a message from Miss 
Nichols, saying she couldn't meet you today. 

Alan. 
What are you doing here, dad? 

K R A I G N E. 

Mr. Nichols and I have just had a most interesting chat. 

[Alan looks at Walter, who has come down on 
his right.^ 

Alan. 

{Trying to appear easy.^ I didn't know you knew Mr. 
Nichols. 

K R A I G N E. 

We've known each other for years — but never quite so 
well as today. [To Walter.] Shall I do the talking? 
[Walter nods.^^ Son, are you in love with Mr. Nichols' 
daughter ? 

Alan. 

[Quickly.] Who told you that? [To Walter.] Did 
you send for my father? 



AMBUSH 99 

Walter. 
I was deeply distressed by something 

K R A I o N E. 

Better let me do it. [To Alan.] Mr. Nichols and I 
were talking about you young people. He tells me you 
want to marry his daughter and that I won't consent. 

Alan. 

[Loudly, angry.] Let me understand this. He said 

[There is an interruption.^ 

Margaret. 

[Off.] Father! 
[Walter is worried; goes to the stairs.'\ 

Walter. 

[Calling.] Yes, dear.'' 

Margaret. 
[Off.] Who's that talking now? 

Alan. 

[In a low tone.] Look here, don't let's make things 
unpleasant for Margaret. 

Margaret. 
Alan! 

Alan. 
The devil ! 



100 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 

[Hurrying down the stairs.\ I knew it was Alan! Why 
didn't somebody tell me? 

Alan. 

[Politely.^ This is my father, Margie. [Kraigne 
howsJ] If my father is willing, he and I will leave you 
and talk over a certain matter alone. 

Kraigne. 

Sorry, son, but we've gone too far for that. 

Walter. 

[Who has crossed to Margaret, touches her arm reas- 
suringly.] It's all right, dear. [Margaret's quick move- 
ment shakes him off.] This is a difficult moment for you, 
dear, but believe me it's for the best. 

Margaret. 

I don't understand at all, I'd like to talk to Alan alone 
for a moment. 

Kraigne. 

I'd rather you didn't. [As Alan starts to join her, he 
cries sternly.] Alan! [Alan stops, and Kraigne's voice 
loses its severity.] I want you young people to understand 
that I am your friend. [Briskly.] I am told — it's a dev- 
ilish hard thing to say, but I am told there has been some- 
thing of — ah, an intimate nature between you. 

[Margaret instinctively turns away, Alan goes 
to his father.] 



AMBUSH 101 

Alan. 

[Pleading.] Dad ? 

K R A I O N E. 

Th^t much we will take for granted, if you don't object. 
Now! Did you and Miss Nichols ever discuss marriage? 
Don't be afraid to speak — I'm prepared to be your friend. 
Did you ask Miss Nichols to marry you ? 

Alan. 
Look here, dad, don't you think 

K R A I G N E. 

Answer me, sir ! 

Alan. 
I'm very fond of Margaret 



K R A I G N E. 

I didn't ask you that. 

Alan. 

And if there were any good reason why I should marry 
her 

Margaret. 

I won't stand it ! Get out of here, both of you ! Father, 
tell them to get out ! 

Walter. 
But, Margaret 



102 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 

[Hysterically.] Tell them to get out^ I say! I wouldn't 
marry him now if he went down on his knees and asked me 
to! [To Alan.] Don't answer any more qvTestions. [To 
Walter.] I tell you I won't marry him! I never want 
to see him again. Do you suppose I'd marry a man who's 
forced on me? [To Alan.] If you don't want to drive 
me crazy, get out! 

Alan. 

I'm sorry for all this, Margie, but I don't think it's my 
fault. [Exit Alan, rear. Kraigne follows him, picking up 
hat from telephone table.] 



w 



alter. 



One moment, Mr. Kraigne — please. I want to return 
this bracelet to your son. Oh! — her mother expects to re- 
turn it to New York next week. How'll we explain if it 
isn't here? 

Kraigne. 
Do whatever seems best, Nichols. 

Walter. 
I'll return it to you, sir, within a month. I'll find a way. 

Kr AION E. 

[While Walter locks the box.] Choose your own time. 
Good afternoon. 

Walter. 

Good afternoon, Mr. Kraigne. 

[Exit Kraigne, rear. As the door closes, Mar- 
garet turns to Walter.] 



AMBUSH 103 

Margaret. 

I hope you're satisfied now — you fool ! Why can't you 
let me handle my own affairs? Why do you have to butt 
in and make a mess of everything? [Walter starts to 
speaJc.] Don't tell me again you did it for the best, what- 
ever you do ! 

Walter. 

I thought you loved each other and that 

Margaret. 

Bringing his father here ! Do you suppose he'd tell the 
truth in front of his father ? 

Walter. 

Why not? 

Margaret. 

Well, he didn't, did he? [Furiously.] Or maybe you 
think rm lying? 

Walter. 

No, dear, no. And you did quite right in refusing to 
marry him, after the way he acted. If he were the right 
kind of a man, he would have stood up to his father and — 
instead of that he hesitated and — ^Mr. Kraigne told me 
there had never been any talk of disinheriting his son, or 
anything like that. He knew nothing about the whole 
affair. 

Margaret. 

That's why I wouldn't wait to hear Alan's explanation. 
The minute I saw how kind Mr. KraisTie was, I knew Alan 



104, AMBUSH 

had lied to me. [Margaret starts to xveep.] What's to 
become of me now? 

Walter. 

It's all just as I told you before they came. The idea 
that a girl's life is wrecked because she makes a single 
mistake is ridiculous. Your mother will be home soon. 
Thank God she didn't come while they were here! [Mar- 
garet, her handkerchief to her eyes, moves to the stairs. 
As she goes, Walter recalls something.] Margaret? [She 
stops.] What did young Mr. Kraigne mean by saying "If 
there were any good reason why I should marry her".^ 

Margaret. 

How should I know? 

Walter. 

[His eyes distressed, grasping the back of the chair.] 
There — there has never been anyone else? 

Margaret. 

Oh! [She is furious again, and her voice is loud.] This 
is more than I'll stand ! You've gone too far this time ! 
Now you'll be sorry for it ! 

Walter. 

Margaret! I didn't mean that! I didn't! Margaret! 
[He tries to take her hand, she draws back her arm and 
strikes him on the side of the face.] 

Margaret. 

Damn you! Damn you! [He recoils from the blow, 
crushed more by the fact that she has done this than by 
any physical pain. Margaret rushes upstairs.] 



AMBUSH 105 

Seymour. 

[Off.] Here we are, safe and sound. This is the life, 
all right ! Wait till we tell that husband of yours about it. 
[Harriett enters, followed by Seymour. The latter is 
glowing with excitemeiit.] You don't know what you 
missed, Walter. How about it, Harriett.'' 

Harriett. 
That's right. [She goes upstairs.] 

Seymour. 

We went up into tlie woods back of Newark and had 
lunch under the trees. You don't know how beautiful the 
scenery is out there until you go in a car. Feeling better.'' 

Walter. 
A little. 

Seymour. 

You don't look better. Julia's in the car. I thought I'd 
die laughing, she was so scared when Frank let it out. 
Harriett's different — she likes it. Now listen. Harriett 
and I had it all out about Magnificus Oil, and she's of the 
same opinion as I am — you're acting like a baby in not 
grasping an opportunity like this. It can't go wrong! I 
know all about it — every blessed turn and twist of the busi- 
ness, and if I say it's all right, it is. Harriett's not so 
young any more and Margaret's at a marriageable age. 
You owe it to both of 'em to get a move on. 

Walter. 
Not now, Seymour. 



106 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 
But, listen! 

Walter. 
Some other time. 

Seymour. 

So long ! Oh, by the way, Walter, I might pick you up 
Monday evening and bring you out in the car. Won't be 
able to read your newspaper, but you'll get some fresh 
air! [He laughs loudly and exits. Enter Harriett.] 

Walter. 

I'm glad you had a nice ride, Harriett. [There is no 
reply.] 

Harriett. 
What's happened between you and Margaret? 

Walter. 
Why, nothing. 

Harriett. 

I went up to put my hat away and I heard her crying. 
She acts like you — she says it's nothing too. 

Walter. 
Well, it's true. 

Harriett. 
It is not. You've been asking her questions again. 



AMBUSH 107 

Walter. 

Only about last night — she explained it all perfectly. 
And I've done what I told you I would — she's to keep the 
bracelet. 

Harriett. 
The minute I leave this house, something goes wrong. 

Walter. 

And there's one other thing — Margaret agrees with me 
about men like Mr. Kraigne and she's not going to see him 
any more. 

Harriett. 

I don't see why. Anyhow^ you said something to Mar- 
garet that's made her terribly mad and we've got to decide 
how to keep her home. 

Walter. 
Keep her home ! 

Harriett. 

[Irritably.] Don't stand there, repeating everything I 
say. I tell you Margaret is going to leave us if we don't 
do something to prevent it. Girls aren't as easily satisfied 
nowadays as they used to be. They want nice clothes and 
pleasures that cost money 

Walter. 
We can't afford them. 



108 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 

Maybe we can. You see what Seymour Jennison's done. 
Why can't you do the same thing? If you weren't so 
obstinate and heartless — yes, heartless — you have no con- 
sideration for Margaret and me. Just because you're satis- 
fied, you think we are. 

Walter. 
All we have is Margaret's money. 

Harriett. 

It isn't Margaret's — you've just been saving it for her. 
And even if it was, could you find any better use for it than 
to spend it and keep her with us? Here she is now. 

{They face the stairs as Margaret appears. She 
is dressed for the street, wearing a hat and 
carrying a small bag.] 

Walter. 
Margaret ! 

Margaret. 
[Dully.] I can't stand it here any more. 

Walter. 

Dearest, you mustn't go. Mother and I have just made 

some plans Listen, dear. We both believe that Mr. 

Jennison's scheme is a good one and I'm going to sell the 
securities we've been holding and invest the money in it. 
All but a few hundred dollars. Those few hundred I'll 
keep out and you can buy anything you want with it. 

[Harriett goes into the kitchen.] 



AMBUSH 109 

Margaret. 

[Chokingly.] Father! [He gently takes the bag from 
her hand, laying it on the chair near the stairs.] 

Walter. 

There; will that be all right.? 

Margaret. 

Father, I don't deserve your kindness! I'm a wicked 
girl. [He shakes his head.] Yes, I am. But I'll never 
do anything to hurt you again ! Just forgive me this time, 
daddy, and I'll never be wicked again. I'll do anything I 
can to deserve your love ! 

Walter. 

[Overcome.] My darling! 
[Harriett re-enters.] 

Harriett. 

[To Walter.] Why don't you go over to Seymour's 
and tell him what you're going to do? 

Walter. 
I will! I will! 

Harriett. 

[Turns to Margaret.] Take off yovir hat. And take 
that upstairs again. [Silently Margaret takes up the bag 
and starts for the stairs. Walter at the half-opened door. 
To Walter.] You and her — neither of you ever listen 
to me. And the Lord knows I'm the only one of the three 
that's got any sense! 

CURTAIN. 



AMBUSH 
Act III 



111 



ACT THREE. 

SCENE: The scene is the same as in the previous act. 
As it is winter and evening, the windows are closed, the 
shades drawn, and the lights lit. 

As the curtain rises, Walter in the act of entering the 
house. He wears a heavy overcoat. The last six months 
have aged Walter considerably. Not only have his looks 
changed, but he has lost some of his self-control and most 
of his confidence. But he is still brave and has much of 
his old-time dignity of manner. 

He is hanging up his coat and hat, and rubbing his hands, 
as Margaret enters from upstairs, humming. 

Margaret has never looked better nor happier. The 
suit she wears is of finer material than the suits in xvhich 
she was previously seen. 

Margaret. 
Hello, father. Cold, isn't it? 

Walter. 
Very. You got home early today? 

Margaret. 

I've been home an hour. There wasn't much to do at 
the office — always slow just before Christmas. [She 
polishes her nails with a buffer she has carried down.] I 
won't be home for dinner. 

118 



114. AMBUSH 

Walter. 
No? 

Margaret. 

[Busy with the buffer.] Mr. Lithridge is coming for 
me and we're going to take dinner in New York. 

Walter. 
Coming all the way out here to fetch you ! 

Margaret. 

He's got imagination — he knows there isn't much fun 
riding in the tube. We're going to the theatre after dinner. 
[She hums a few bars of a popular dance tune.] What 
would you think of my giving up work? 

Walter. 
What makes you think of doing that? 

Margaret. 
I don't want to work if I don't have to. 

Walter. 
Work won't hurt you. 

Margaret. 

I don't work hard enough for it to hurt me. What I 
have in mind is that it's easier for a girl to get along if 
she doesn't do anything. The people I meet — George's 
friends, for instance — we're all equals until they find it 
out. After that I can't help feeling that they look down 
on me. 



AMBUSH 116 

Walter. 
It's nothing to be ashamed of. 

Margaret. 

But what's the sense if I don't have to? Now you're 
going to make money out of that oil stocky I don't see why 
I shouldn't get some benefit from it. 

Walter. 
[Evasiveli/.] The market was weak today. 

Margaret. 

I heard Mr. Jennison say, three weeks ago, that the stock 
was due for a big rise. I was listening. [Turns her back 
as she adds earnestly.] George feels that way too about 
my working. 

Walter. 

Mr. Lithridge? 

Margaret. 

[Making sounds which are the equivalent of "Yes."\ 
Mm-mm. 

Walter. 

What has Mr. Lithridge to do with it? 

Margaret. 
We're very good friends, naturally he's interested in me. 

Walter. 
Are you fond of him? 



116 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 
You bet I am ! 

Walter. 
How fine it would be if 

Margaret. 
If what? 

Walter. 
Would you marry him if he asked you to.** 

Margaret. 
Would I ! 

Walter. 
Do you think he may want to? 

Margaret. 

) 
Wouldn't be surprised. 

Walter. 
[Happilif.] Really? 

Margaret. 

Well, you can't tell. Not right away, perhaps- 

Walter. 
Why not? 



AMBUSH 117 

Margaret. 

Well, it takes some people longer to make up their minds 
than others. Anyhow, you see, father, how my giving up 
work would help. He'd be able to introduce me as a girl 
who lives at home and whose father supports her — you 
know, like the girls of his own set. 

Walter. 
Is that so important.'' 

Margaret. 

Of course it is. 

Walter. 

[Touching her hands.] We'll see, dear, we'll see. By 
February or March we'll know how things stand with us. 

Margaret. 
[Doubtfully.] February — that's more than a month off. 

Walter. 

Things ought to change by March, anyhow, [A shadow 
crosses his face.] Of course it's only right 

Margaret. 

What's only right? 

Walter. 

I wanted to speak to you about this, before. It's only 
right, if he wishes to marry you — it's only right that he 
should know — that both of you should know everything 
about each other. 



118 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 

[Angrily.] Remember — I'm to manage my own affairs. 

Walter. 

[Weakly.] Yes, dear, I'm sorry. Some things hap- 
pened today that worry me a great deal — I'm not myself. 
[Enter Harriett from upstairs.] 

Harriett. 
[To Margaret.] I've laid your dress out. 

Margaret. 

Thanks. [Hurries happily to the stairs.] Wait till you 
see how I look, father. Then you'll be proud of me. [Exit 
Margaret upstairs.] 

Harriett. 
How are things today? 

Walter. 

Not very good. [His mood changes entirely.] I didn't 
have the heart to tell Margaret, but there are some ugly 
rumors going about concerning the oil supply. I put up 
the last thousand today. 

Harriett. 
[Affected.] You don't suppose the rumors were true? 

Walter. 

Seymour says they're circulated on purpose, so people 
will sell and the officers of the company can buy up the 



AMBUSH 119 

stock cheap. I tried to see one of the officers, but they 
were all too busy. That isn't what worries me — I had a 
long talk with Mr. Preston just now — and I haven't got a 
position. 

Harriett. 

You mean he discharged you.^ [Walter nods.] After 
all these years ! 

Walter. 

[Slowly.] I've been with that firm seventeen years — 
seventeen years — think of it. 



Harriett. 
And now he discharges you — the ungrateful pig ! 

Walter. 
Harriett — don't. 

Harriett. 

Oh — it's all right for you to take these things quietly 

But I've got red blood in my veins and if I had him here 
I'd tell him what I think of him. 



Walter. 

He isn't to be blamed — not altogether. You see, I haven't 
been doing my work very well of late — that stock invest- 
ment has been on my mind — especially these l-last three 
months while it's been fluctuating so much. I've made 
excuses to leave the office and go around to the broker's. 



120 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 

Well, say you have? You've been with them seventeen 
years 

Walter. 

There's no sentiment in business, Harriett — not much 
anyhow. I've made one or two mistakes on the books. They 
warned me the first time it occurred, but my mind's been 
so agitated, and I made another. 

Harriett. 
What'll you do now.f" 

Walter. 

Look for something else. Mr. Preston offered me an ex- 
cellent recommendation. 

Harriett. 
That was nice of him ! 



Walter. 
So I ought to get something before long- 

Harriett. 



Well I hope so — I suppose you know the rent's due 
today ? 

Walter. 

It's lucky Seymour bought the house, isn't it? He'll 
understand our position and be patient. [In a lotv, worried 
tone.\ Tell me, dear, h-has Margaret mentioned anything 
to you about giving up work? 



AMBUSH 121 

Harriett. 
She's talked about it a lot lately. 

Walter. 
Of course you told her to keep on? 

Harriett. 

No, I didn't. I don't altogether disagree with her. A 
girl has to think of her future. 

Walter. 

But — s-surely her working doesn't endanger her future? 
Besides, we shall need all the money we can scrape to- 
gether until the Wall Street situation improves. [The 
bell rings.] I'll open. [Goes to door, and opens it. Enter 
Seymour and Mrs. Jennison.] 

Seymour. 
Well, what'll we do now? 

Walter. 
Has — ^has anything happened? 

Seymour. 

[Thunderously.] Happened! [To Mrs. Jennison.] 
Did you hear him? He asked me if anything's happened! 

Walter. 
[Hoarsely.] The company ? 



122 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 

Damn the company! They're liars and robbers! I'll 
bring an action against them — just you see if I don't! 
There must be some way of getting back what's been stolen 
from you! 

Walter. 
Then the rumors were true? 

Seymour. 

Don't you know? Good God, man, where have you 
been ? 

Walter. 

The last quotation I saw was at two o'clock. When I 
was leaving, Mr. Preston called me into his office to — for 
a private talk. [Chokingly.] It filled my thoughts so, I 
didn't have a chance 

Seymour. 

That last hour is the one that did it. Magnificus Oil 
went to Hell ! I'm ruined ! I'll be lucky if I get a thousand 
dollars out of it! You're ruined — they stole your money 
just the way they stole mine! 

[A low wail breaks from Harriett, and she sinks 
into a chair. Walter controls his own grief 
and goes to her.] 

Walter. 

It's all right, Harriett — don't take it so hard. 



AMBUSH 123 

Seymour. 

It ain't as bad for him as it is for me — he's got a regular 
job to fall back on. 

Walter. 
[Involuntarili/.] A job! 

Seymour. 

Haven't you? But look at me — I've got nothing! [Some- 
thing of the old bluster returns, and he speaks i7i the manner 
of a man imparting a great secret.] Of course, a proposi- 
tion's been put to me — hundreds of thousands involved in 
it 

Harriett. 

Keep quiet, Seymour Jennison. You're not fit to talk 
to decent people. 



Harriett ! 



Walter. 



Harriett. 



You come around here, telling people to invest in that 
rotten company of yours — telling them how much money 
they're going to make and how safe it is. Why don't they 
make a law forcing people like you to keep quiet and let 
other folks alone.'' If I had anything to say 

Walter. 
Harriett ! 



124. AMBUSH 

Harriett. 

Oh, you can be quiet if you want to, but I'll tell him what 
I think of him to his face! 

Mrs. Jennison. 

You have no right to talk that way, Harriett. Seymour 
was perfectly honest and sincere, and if he made a mis- 
take — well, he's paying for it. 

Harriett. 
Does his losing money help us? 

Walter. 

[Sternly.] Harriett, you must not say these things. 
[To the others.] I'm sorry Harriett spoke like that. She'll 
be sorry too, when her excitement subsides. You see, all 
this is v-very hard on us. [Gulps.] We wanted money so 
badly, and 

Seymour. 

You were right — I'll grant you that. You didn't want 
to go in at first. You must 'a' had an instinct about it. 
What made you hesitate .'' 

Walter. 

My nature, I guess. I'm — I'm inclined to be conserva- 
tive in everything. But I was just going to explain why 
this is such a blow to us. The job Seymour was talking 
about — well, I haven't got it. 

Seymour. 
Haven't got it ! 



AMBUSH 125 

Walter. 

[Smiling bravely.] I'm not so good at my work as I 
used to be. 

Seymour. 
Hm, that's too bad. 

Mrs. Jknnison. 
[Earnestly.] I'm awfully sorry, Walter. 

Seymour. 

[With forced cheerfulness.] Of course that won't make 
any difference.'' Between us, I mean. [Walter is puzzled. 
Harriett looks up.] Of course you know what day this is.'' 

Walter. 
December eighteenth — one week from Christmas. 

Seymour. 
Christmas — hah ! 

Walter. 

[As he comprehends.] Wait a moment — I know what 
you mean. 

Seymour. 

[Cheerfully.] 'Course you do. The rent on this house 
is due today. It'll certainly come in handy. 

Walter. 
I — I haven't got it, Seymour. 



126 AMBUSH 

Seymour. 
Haven't got it? 

Walter. 
I have a little, but not all of it. 

Seymour. 
[Loudly.] But these houses are the only things I own! 

Walter. 
[Smiling.] You're richer than I am. 

Seymour. 

I could get tenants at twice the rent you pay. Interest 
on one of the mortgages is due the first of the year. How 
do you expect me to pay if you don't .'' 

Walter. 
I will, Seymour. Only have patience 

Seymour. 
I don't want to be harsh with you, Walter 

Harriett. 

I can't listen to another word from that man ! Let me 
know when he's gone. [Exits into the kitchen. She slams 
the door behind her.] 

Seymour. 

[Seeing an excuse for harshness.] Seeing that your wife 
doesn't mince words, Walter, I won't either. If you don't 



AMBUSH 127 

pay as you're supposed to, I'll have to get other tenants. 
[Seymour says briskly to Mrs. Jennison:] I've got to 
look into that new proposition. Let's go along. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

You go ahead, Seymour. I want just a word with 
Walter. 

SeTMO UR. 

What about .^ 

Mrs. Jennison. 
Oh, just neighborly talk. I won't be long. 

Seymour. 

Tell him I'm in earnest about what I said. I've lost 
money enough in one thing — I can't take chances on an- 
other. [About to go.] And remember, Julia, this new 
proposition might mean big money and I need your advice. 

[Exit Seymour, rear. The moment he goes, Mrs, 
Jennison's manner changes. Always colorless 
in his presence, she now shows a stronger per- 
sonality than one would guess she possesses. 
She becomes tender, sympathetic, intelligent.] 

Mrs. Jennison. 

I'm awfully sorry things happened like this, Walter. I 
wanted to tell you not to go in with Seymour, but I was 
afraid it would be disloyal. 

Walter. 
Not to go in ! Did you know anything about it ? 



128 AMBUSH 

Mrs. Jennison. 

Not a thing! It's only this: some people seem kind of 
marked to go through life without success — have you ever 
noticed that? I'm afraid Seymour's that kind. 

Walter. 
[Surprised, but polite.] I hope not. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

This sounds as if I was finding fault, but I'm not. Sey- 
mour means so well and I understand him and love him. 

Walter. 
Of course you do. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

But sometimes Were you ever very tired, Walter, 

and knew that you had to keep going? So tired that just to 
hold your head up hurt the back of your neck? That's 
how I am. I want to rest — just to stop everything and 
rest a long, long time. [As he is about to speak.] Oh, 
I'm not tired of keeping house and marketing and mending 
socks — I'm tired of having to be ambitious. I knew you 
were too — that's why I stopped to talk to you. I thought 
it might help you to know I understood, and I thought it 
might help me if you understood. 

Walter. 
How did you know it was that way with me? 



AMBUSH 129 

Mrs. Jennison. 

I saw it in lots of things. I used to notice how contented 
you were to let things slide along, and the pride you took 
in simply being decent. 

Walter. 
You saw that too! 

Mrs. Jennison. 

I'm like that. At least, I used to be. But I got so tired 
of having Seymour tell me I was old-fashioned that I 
learned to hide it. 

Walter. 

[With fresh enthusiasm.] There's something fine about 
having principles, Julia. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

If you can keep them, Walter. [She says this with great 
conviction and he does not say what he is about to. Instead, 
he slowly closes his mouth.] 

Walter. 
[After a moment.] It's hard sometimes. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

It's a curse to be born like this — we take things so hard 
that other people brush aside. Because sometimes you can't 
keep them. Sometimes Fate seems to close in on you from 
every side — to get you into an ambush — and you've got to 
give up. Don't tell Seymour about this conversation, he'd 
think I was crazy. [There is a trace of bitterness in her 



130 AMBUSH 

next speech.] You know what's going to happen now? I'll 
find Seymour with a lot of papers in front of him, covered 
with figures, and he'll tell me about the millions of dollars 
he's going to make in some new scheme or other. He won't 
tell me about it because he wants my advice — he'll talk in 
order to convince himself. And he'll be convinced. 

Walter. 
An ambush ! 

Mrs. Jennison. 

Isn't that what it is? The other forces — the things 
we're fighting against — come in on you like this, and this, 
until there's no way to turn. 

[He nods thoughtfully, as Margaret comes down- 
stairs. She is clad in evening dress and carries 
a fur coat.] 

Margaret. 

Hello, Mrs. Jennison. [To Walter, referring to her 
dress.] Now you see why I couldn't travel in the tube? 
[To Mrs. Jennison.] Have you leased that apartment 
yet in New York? 

Mrs. Jennison. 
I never expected to. 

Margaret. 

[Laying her coat over a chair.] You ought to, if 
you can. A person's foolish to stay here if they don't 
have to. 



AMBUSH 181 

Mrs. Jennison. 

Margaret, dear. [Margaret, who is smoothing her fur 
coat, looks up.] We have had a little misfortune. Your 
father has suffered too. 

Margaret. 

[Darkly.] The oil company? 

Mrs. Jbnnison. 

The stock is practically worthless. Your father doesn't 
mind so much for himself, but he's unhappy on account of 
your mother and you. Put your arms around his neck and 
tell him you believe in him, anyhow. 

Margaret. 

[Coldly.] What's the sense of that? 

Walter. 

Margaret isn't the demonstrative kind, Julia. It's all 
right, though. 

Mrs. Jennison. 

[To Margaret.] Do it, then, when you're alone. 
[Holds out her hand, Walter takes it feelingly.] I'll get 
Seymour to come over after supper. Good luck! 

Walter. 

[Preceding her to the door.] Good luck to you! [Mrs. 
Jennison goes out.] A fine woman, Mrs. Jennison. 

Margaret. 

[Coldly.] I suppose so. Then it's settled — about the 
stock ? 



132 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

I'm afraid it is. [Looks at her admiringly.] How sweet 
you look. 

Margaret. 

Where's mother? 

Walter. 

Getting supper, I suppose. I'm sorry you're not staying 
home. [Margaret sits on arm of rocker and he goes to 
her.] Margaret! 

Margaret. 

[In a hard tone.] What? 

Walter. 

Do you — do you despise me for — for not having good 
luck? 

Margaret. 

It's funny the way some men manage to succeed. 

Walter. 
I don't want you to despise me, dear. 

Margaret. 

[Squirming away.] Please don't touch me. You'll 
muss my clothes ! 

[Harriett at kitchen door.] 

Harriett. 
Has he gone? 



AMBUSH 133 

Walter. 
S-Seymour? Yes, he's gone. 

Harriett. 
The loud-mouthed fool ! Supper'U be ready soon. 
[A ring at the bell.] 

George. 

[Outside.] Hello ! Hello ! Margie ! 

Margaret. 

That's George. [Goes to door and opens it, sheltering 
herself behind it. Enter George Lithridge. He is a good- 
looking, easy-mannered, cheerful man of forty. He is 
seldom without a smile.] 

Quick ! We'll all take cold. [He enters, and she shtcts 
door.] You know mother. 

George. 
Certainly do. [They shake hands.] How's mother.'* 

Harriett. 
Very well, thanks. 

George. 
[Advancing to Walter.] And father? 

Walter. 
[As they shake hands,] How do you do? 



134 AMBUSH 

George. 

[Laughs.] I say, Margie, how far is this house from 
the North Pole? 

Walter. 

[Apologetically.] It is rather windy, isn't it? 

George. 

I'll say it is! The chauff's nearly frozen. Lucky it's 
a limousine. 

[Harriett and Margaret are at right, talking 
animatedly in xvhispers.] 

Walter. 
Margaret tells me you're going to dine in New York. 

George. 

Yes, got a table engaged, and all that. I say, Margie, 
that I've got a table engaged. Wouldn't be a bad idea to 
get started. 

Margaret. 

[Soherly.] Do you mind if we're a few minutes late, 
George? We're only fifteen minutes from the ferry. 
There's something I want to talk to you about. 

George. 

Before we go? [She nods.] It's got to be important — 
this trip gave me an appetite. 



AMBUSH 185 



Margaret. 

[Leading the way, George following.^ Just come into 
the pantry a moment. 

O E O R G E. 

The pantry! [As he follows her off.] Maybe you'll 
give me a cookie to keep me going? 

[Exeunt Margaret and George into hitchen.'\ 



Harriett. 
Margaret is awfully unhappy. 

Walter. 
About the — ^m-money.'' 

Harriett. 
She counted on it so much. 

Walter. 
If there were only something I could do ! 

Harriett. 

[Watching him narrowly as she speaks.] She believes 
Mr. Lithridge might help you. 

Walter. 

Help me! You don't mean he'd lend me money? I 
wouldn't take it. 



136 AMBUSH 

Harriett. 

[Dryly.] Beggars can't be choosers. Margaret's a good 
girl to think about it. But it isn't lending you money so 
much as it's a job. She just told me that maybe he'd offer 
you something in his place. 

Walter. 
In his business.-* 

Harriett. 
Yes. 

Walter. 
How does he know of our misfortune? 

Harriett. 

He doesn't. [Glances at kitchen door.] Ma3'^be he does 
now. Margaret was going to tell him. 

Walter. 

[Embarrassed.] But that's so — so much like asking f-for 
help. 

Harriett. 

[Impatiently.] Did anything decent ever happen to you 
that you didn't find something the matter with it.-" [Bell 
rings; she cries impatiently.] Who is that, I wonder? 

[She goes to the door, leaving Walter deep in thought. 

Enter Harry, his coat collar turned up. His 
hair is disheveled and it is easy to see that he 
has been drinking.] 



AMBUSH 137 

Harry. 

Good evenin'. Hello, Mr. Nichols. [Comes down un- 
steadily.] Margaret home.'* 

Walter. 
Yes, she's home. 

Harriett. 

[Going toward kitchen.] I'll just go and see what I 
can do. [Exit Harriett into kitchen.] 

H ARRT. 

What's Margaret doing this evening.'' 

Walter. 
She's going to New York. 

Harry. 

That's why there's a limousine in front of the house, hey ? 

Walter. 
Yes. Have you been drinking, Harry .f* 

Harry. 

[Smiling broadly.] Only one or two. Friend o' mine's 
got a lot of it. 

Walter. 

Would you think me rude, Harry, if I asked you not to 
stay.f* Something of great importance to us is happening 
just now. 



138 AMBUSH 

H ARR T. 

[Shrewdlif.] 'Bout Margaret? 

Walter. 
It concerns all of us. 

Harst. 

[Sneering.] So you're like that too, now! [Laughs.] 

Walter. 
I don't understand you. 

Harry. 

You don't want her swell friends to see me; is that it? 
Well, don't be afraid I'll spoil anything 

Walter. 

You've been drinking more than is good for you. 

Harry. 

Don't worry about me — I can take care of myself. 
[Laughs, as door opens.] Hah! It's too late now, any- 
how. 

George. 
Good cake this 

[Enter Margaret and George from the kitchen. 

George is munching a cake.] 

Don't remember when I've enjoyed anything more. 



AMBUSH 139 

Margaret. 
[To Harry.] Mother told me you were here. 

Harry. 

Yes, I'm here. 

Walter. 
This is Mr. Lithridge — Mr. Gleason. 

H arrt. 

[With a smile in the corner of his moutJi.] "Lithridge".^ 

George. 

That's it. [Shakes hands affably.] How d'ye do.f* 
[Harry laughs.] Something fumiy about me.'' [Surveys 
himself.] 

Margaret. 

[In a voice that combines scorn and hate.] He's drunk. 

H ARR7. 

[Angrily.] I am not drunk. And don't think I'm going 
right away either, 'cause I'm not. 

George. 
Evidently a relation. 

Margaret. 

No, he's not. [To Harry.] Stay if you want to, but 
don't interfere. [To Walter.] Father, George and I 
have been talking over a certain matter and George has 
something to say to you. 



140 AMBUSH 

George. 

Mr. Nichols, your wife and daughter tell me you've had 
a hard knock in the market. 

Walter. 
[Embarrassed.] I have — rather. 

George. 

So've I. Only, I guess I can stand it better than some 
people. They also tell me you've lost a job you held for a 
long time. 

Walter. 

Seventeen years. 

George. 

Just so! Now, I've got a pretty good-sized business in 
New York. Don't think I'm boasting — believe me, I've 
got nothin' to boast about. The business was left to me — 
it ain't my fault that it's big. But most of the clerks are 
getting old and little by little they're being retired. I 
don't retire 'em — I've got people to look after all that. All 
I do is read letters and sign checks and say "y^^" whenever 
anybody asks me a question. [Laughs.] What would you 
say to taking a job as clerk in my business? Mrs. Nichols 
just told me how much you used to get, and I'll see to it 
that you get twenty dollars a week more. 

Walter. 

Mr. Lithridge, this is more than I'd hoped for 

/ George. 

Think it over — there's no hurry. Margie can ring me 
up in the morning, if you like, and tell me what you've de- 



AMBUSH Ul 

cided on. [Margaret makes him a sign.\ What? All 
right. [To Walter, laughing.^ I'm ordered out. I'll 
wait in the car. Don't be long. [To Walter.] Good 
night. [Exits, rear.] 

Margaret. 

What are you going to do, father.'' 

Walter. 
I shall accept, of course. It seems a splendid offer. 

Margaret. 

That's sensible. And here, father — here is enough 
money to pay the rent for the house. [Gives him some 
bills.] 

Walter. 

No! No! I can't take it. 

Margaret. 

Don't be foolish. It's a loan, and George has such heaps 
of money it doesn't make any difference to him. 

Walter. 

I can't take it. 

Margaret. 

[Irritably.] I'll leave it here. You can do as you please. 
[Lays money on the desk.] 

Harry. 

Well, I'll be damned! [They look at him.] 



142 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

You ought to be ashamed of yourself, coming here in 
this condition. 

Harry. 

[Ugly.] Is that so? Well, I know what I'm doing, 
don't you fear. Why do you suppose that fellow is doing 
all this? 

[Margaret is about to protest.] 

Do you suppose there's nothing more between them than 
friendship ? 

Walter. 
You're in no fit condition 

H ARBT. 

Ain't I ? Well, I'll leave it to anybody. Here's a mar- 
ried man coming to see Margaret, lending her father money, 
giving him a job 

Walter. 
A married man! 

Margaret. 
Can't you see he's drunk? 

Harry. 

[Cries loudly.] Oh! I know him! The first job I 
ever had, I used to see him. He's got a wife and two or 
three kids. Find out for yourself. 



AMBUSH 148 

Walter. 

[Falteringly, to Margaret.] W-what he says isn't true? 

Margaret. 
[Defiantly.] Well, what if it is? 

Walter. 
You — you knew it all the time? 

Margaret. 
I knew he was married before I met him ! 

Walter. 

But only a little while ago you gave me to understand — 
here, in this v-very room — that you thought he might 
marry you ! 



Margaret. 
Well, I had to tell you something, didn't I ? 

Walter. 

But [Suddenly breaks out.] I can't believe it! I 

won't ! 

Margaret. 

[Coolly.] Can't believe what? 

Walter, 
After that other time you promised 

Margaret. 
Yes, and I meant it. 



144 AMBUSH 

Walter. 
You meant it ! Well, then, if you meant it 

Margaret. 

[Indicating Harry.] Do we have to talk about this in 
front of him? 

Walter. 

[WeaJcly.] I don't understand any of it! All I know 
is that everything — everything — is going to pieces! 

Margaret. 

Why wouldn't it, when a man thinks more of fine ideas 
than he does of supporting his family? 

Walter. 

Stop it! Stop it! You're just that kind of a woman! 
Forget that I said that — I didn't mean it ! [Again furious, 
hut no longer with Margaret.] It's all that other man's 
fault — that Alan Kraigne [Remembering Harry's pres- 
ence, he looks at him open-mouthed.] 

Margaret. 

[Bitterly.] He's heard enough to understand. You 
might just as well go on. But what's Alan got to do with 
all this, I'd like to know? 

Walter. 

If he hadn't deceived you — made promises and then lied 
about them— none of this would have happened. 



AMBUSH 145 

Margaret. 
He didn't lie to me. 

Walter. 
He promised to marry you. 

Margaret. 

He did nothing of the kind. Oh, the time has come for 
a show-down and you miglit as well know the truth. 

Walter. 
The truth ! The truth ! 

Margaret. 

That I belonged to somebody else before he met me. 

[Harry is at the door. Her eyes, narrow and full 
of hatred, are upon him. She points to him.\ 

Him! 

[Walter wheels about.'\ 

Harry. 

You're crazy! 

Margaret. 

Why do you suppose he was so mad when I went around 
with Alan? Why do you suppose he told you about George 
being married — though I suppose you'd have found that 
out if you were working for him? But I don't care any 
more what you find out — if all this makes you unhappy, it's 
your own fault. 



146 AMBUSH 

Walter. 
You will have to marry him. 

Margaret. 

Who.? 

[Walter is pointing at Harry.] 
Harry? 

Walter. 
You'll have to marry him! 

Margaret. 
Watch me! 

Harry. 
If she'll do it, I'm ready. 

Margaret. 
Get out! 

Harry. 
I'll forget whatever's happened since — I'll marry her. 

Margaret. 

Oh, damn it, get out of here! 

[Harry starts to go, and completes his exit 
while she is speaking to her father.] 

We might just as well have this whole thing out. 

[Harry disappears.] 

Only, hurry up, because I hate to keep George waiting. 



AMBUSH 147 

Walter. 
Have you no shame? 

Margaret. 

[Putting on her coat.] I'm not going to discuss that. 
[He begs her mutely to remain,] 

If I wanted to, I could leave here tonight and never 
come back. Don't you suppose I could live in New York 
if I wanted to? 

Walter. 
Not — ^not if his wife knew about it! 

Margaret. 

She does know. Oh, not who I am — George is too much 
of a gentleman to let her learn my name. But they haven't 
lived together for a year. Now listen! I'd rather stay 
here — it looks better, and it'll be easier some day when I 
want to get married. Besides, I'm fond of mother and you. 
But if I do stay, I'll live as I please and I won't have 
questions and criticisms. 

Walter. 
Not so loud! We're forgetting your mother. 

Margaret. 

You see this coat? Well, you may as well know that 
I've got lots of things upstairs you've never seen. After 
this I'll wear them. 

Walter. 
From — from Mr. Lithridge? 



148 AMBUSH 

Margaret. 

[Hurt.] You don't suppose I'd accept things from any- 
one else? What kind of a girl do you think I am? George 
is so good-natured, he'd wait all night for his dinner if 
I wanted him to. But now I must go. [Points to desk.] 
There's the money for the house, if you want to use it. 
And remember about the job. 

[She is almost at the door, wrapping the coat 
closely about her, when Walter breaks out.] 

Walter. 

[Wildly.] I won't have it! I won't! I'll go out there 
and threaten him! I'll make him understand! [Walter 
plunges toward the door."] 

Margaret. 
[Calls loudly.] Mother! 

Walter. 
Margaret! You mustn't let her know. 

Margaret. 

[Calls as before.] Mother! 
[Harriett appears.'] 

Margaret. 
Father wants to make trouble with George — stop him. 

Harriett. 
What were you going to do just now? 



AMBUSH 149 

Walter. 

Nothing, dear. Margaret and I had a little misunder- 
standing, but it's all right. 

Harriett. 

[Sarcasticalli/.] Yes, it looks as if it was all right. Are 
you going to take the job? 

[Margaret goes out tvhile they are talking. 
Walter starts as door closes.] 
Are you going to take the job? 

Walter. 

With Mr. Lithridge? [Catching at a straw.] That's 
what I was — what I was going to talk to him about. It 
isn't in my line. 

Harriett. 
You'd better. If you don't, things'll be very unpleasant. 

Walter. 
Oh, I'll find something else. 

Harriett. 
And there's the rent. 

Walter. 
If the worst comes to the worst, we'll move. 

Harriett. 
To a smaller place ? 



160 AMBUSH 

Walter. 

There are some apartments going up in Bergen that 
would be just the thing — just the thing for us. You'd 
have no stairs to climb 

Harriett. 

Margaret won't move to a smaller place. If you ask her 
to do that she'll live in New York. And if she goes — 
I'll go with her. 

Walter. 
You'll do what? 

Harriett. 
I know all about everything. I've known it all along. 

Walter. 
About what? 

Harriett. 

About Margaret. 

Walter. 
You — what do you mean? 

Harriett. 

I know all the things you know. If I didn't, she 
mightn't be living with us now. That day I came back after 
tiding with the Jennisons, she told me how you'd acted 
about Alan Kraigne and it was all I could do to keep her 
from leaving us. 



AMBUSH 161 

Walter. 
[Wildly.] You're a wicked woman! 

Harriett. 

Why? For not driving her away.'' All these months 
I've had to fight and fight in order to keep her here. 

Walter. 
You knew — you knew about everything? 

Harriett. 

That bracelet — do you suppose I ever thought it was 
imitation? Margaret showed it to me the day she got it. 
[With deep feeling.] Oh, Walter, it isn't pleasant for a 
mother to know things like that are going on, but it don't 
do any good to quarrel all the time. I was the one who 
said it was imitation, because I saw there'd be trouble if I 
didn't. 

Walter. 

[Momentarily relieved.] Oh, you knew about the brace- 
let? [Flaring up.] Do you know that Lithridge is a 
married man? 

Harriett. 

She never told me that. I didn't ask her. But I'm not 
surprised. 

Walter. 

You helped her lie to me! What's to become of her 
now? 



16^ AMBUSH 

Harriett. 

That depends upon us, I guess. If we keep her here and 
make the best of it, things may turn out all right. The 
question for us now is: what are we going to do? 

Walter. 

Whatever I say! And you'll both stay here and listen 
to me. 

Harriett. 

How are you going to prevent Margaret from going to 
New York if she wants to? 

Walter. 

Let her go then ! She'll continue her shameless life 
wherever she is — but you won't go. 

Harriett. 

Don't you know that if she goes it's the very time she'll 
need me most? No, Walter, the only thing for you to do is 
to swallow that pride of yours and take the job Mr. Lith- 
ridge offers you. 

Walter. 

Accept help f-f rom him ! I won't ! No ! No ! I won't ! 

[A ring at the bell. Harriett is alarmed.] 
Maybe she's forgotten something. Now we'll see ! 

Harriett. 

I warn you; I meant what I said! 

[He looks at her, and sees she is in earnest. 
[Seymour Jennison and his wife enter.] 

Seymour. 

Julia persuaded me to come and make friends. How 
about it, Harriett? 



AMBUSH 163 

Harriett. 
Shut the door. 

Seymour. 

We'll let bygones be bygones — that's my nature. [Offers 
his hand to Harriett.] 

Harriett. 

[Shaking his hand.] All right, Seymour. I'd ask you 
two to supper, but there isn't enough in the house. 

Mrs. Jennison. 
We've had it, thanks. 

S etmour. 

This is a terrible world. Margaret passed our house a 
few minutes ago in a limousine with a New York license, 
and do you know who the chauffeur was ? Frank, the boy / 
used to have! [Collapses in a chair.] Think of it! He 
lives in New York and / don't. [Shakes his head gloomily, 
then says to Walter:] Have you decided on anything.'' 

Harriett. 

Walter's been offered a very good job; we were talking 
about it when you came in. 

Seymour. 

[Wide-eyed.] That so.'' Pretty quick work, isn't it.'' 
I've got something too — looks big. If that's so, I suppose I 
can expect my rent before long.f* 



164 AMBUSH 

Walter. 
[Dully.] Rent? 

Seymour. 
Sure — for the house. 

Walter. 

[Wavers a moment.] Oh ! [Walter takes a step toward 
the desk, then gulps hard.] 

Seymour. 
What's the matter, Walter.'' You ain't sick, are you? 

Mrs. Jennison. 

What is it, Walter? 

Walter. 
It's nothing — nothing. I — I'm all right now. 

Seymour. 

It's that damn oil company — they're responsible for it 
all! 

Walter. 

Here's — here's the money, Seymour — the exact 
amount 

Seymour. 

[Going to him.] Well! [Takes the money.] Now tell 
us about the job, Walter. Is it a good one? 



AMBUSH 156 

Harriett. 

Better than the old one — more money and a chance for 
advancement. [At kitchen door.] I've got to attend to 
supper. Come in the kitchen and I'll tell you more. [Har- 
riett goes into the kitchen.] 

S ETHO UR. 

Coming, Julia.'' [Mrs. Jennison makes no reply, and 
Seymour goes out.] 

Walter. 

[Raising his head slightly,] They come in on you like 
this, and this, until there's no way to turn. You and I, 
Julia — if vre'd married, we'd 'a' done something of use in 
the world. 

Mrs. Jennison. 
Hush, Walter, I don't understand you. 

Walter. 

Everything I stood for — everything I lived for — every- 
thing God put me on this earth for — turns out wrong. 
What can I do now? 

Mrs. Jennison. 

Whatever has happened, you must go on just the same. 

Walter. 
Why? [His voice louder.] Why? Why? 

CURTAIN 



